Congress Unleashes Scathing Critique: Modi Government's Afghanistan Policy Under Fire Amidst Taliban Engagement and Women's Exclusion

In a powerful indictment of the Modi government's diplomatic overtures towards the Taliban, the Indian National Congress has launched a blistering attack, accusing the administration of a disturbing pivot that risks legitimizing what it terms the 'Emirates of Afghanistan'. The opposition's fury reached a crescendo following reports that women journalists were explicitly barred from a press conference hosted by the Taliban's chargé d'affaires at the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi, an incident that has ignited a fierce debate on India's foreign policy and its commitment to democratic values and women's rights.

Congress leader Pawan Khera, spearheading the offensive, questioned the apparent contradiction in the government's stance.

“Are these not the same women whose rights were championed by the Modi government?” Khera challenged, referring to India's historic advocacy for gender equality and human rights globally. The shocking exclusion of women from such a public forum, especially within the diplomatic confines of India’s capital, has been seized upon by the opposition as irrefutable evidence of the Taliban's regressive ideology and, more critically, the Modi government's seemingly complicit engagement.

Since the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, India had initially adopted a cautious 'wait and watch' approach.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had previously outlined clear preconditions for any formal recognition or engagement with the new Afghan regime: respect for human rights, the establishment of an inclusive government, and a firm guarantee that Afghan soil would never again be used as a breeding ground for terrorism.

Yet, the recent events, particularly the blatant disregard for women's presence at the Delhi press conference, suggest a troubling deviation from these stated principles.

The Congress party highlighted the dissonance between these initial conditions and the government's current trajectory. They argue that by engaging with a regime that so openly suppresses fundamental human rights, especially those of women, the Modi government risks undermining its own credibility and moral standing on the global stage.

Khera pointed out the irony of the situation, juxtaposing it with Prime Minister Modi's past visits to Afghanistan and his strong pronouncements on supporting the Afghan people.

This diplomatic entanglement comes at a critical juncture, raising profound questions about India's strategic interests versus its ethical obligations.

The opposition insists that the government must provide a comprehensive explanation for its evolving foreign policy in Afghanistan. They demand clarity on how India plans to reconcile its democratic ethos and its vocal support for women's empowerment with its engagement with a regime known for its systemic gender-based oppression.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and moral dilemmas inherent in international relations, urging a transparent and accountable approach from the Indian government on its dealings with the Taliban.