India Distances Itself from Controversial 'Male-Only' Taliban Press Meet Amidst Outcry

New Delhi has swiftly moved to clarify its position after a virtual press conference by a senior Taliban minister, Suhail Shaheen, in Mumbai stirred significant controversy. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphatically stated that it had no involvement in the event, which drew widespread criticism for its apparent exclusion of women, mirroring the Taliban’s regressive policies in Afghanistan.

The press conference, reportedly organized by an independent business group in Mumbai, featured Shaheen – the Head of the Taliban's Political Office in Doha – addressing an audience predominantly, if not exclusively, composed of men.

This format immediately ignited a furore, especially given the Taliban's well-documented restrictions on women's rights and education since their takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021.

Addressing the media on the matter, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal categorically stated, "We have seen media reports on the virtual press conference of a Taliban leader organized by an independent organization in Mumbai.

We would like to clarify that the Ministry of External Affairs had no involvement in organizing this event." This direct repudiation aims to douse the flames of criticism directed at the Indian government, which some perceived as tacitly endorsing the Taliban's practices by allowing such an event.

The incident underscores the delicate diplomatic tightrope India walks with Afghanistan.

While India has not formally recognized the Taliban regime, it has engaged in humanitarian assistance and maintained a presence in Kabul, emphasizing the need for an inclusive government in Afghanistan that respects the rights of all citizens, particularly women and minorities. Shaheen, a prominent face of the Taliban internationally, has frequently engaged with global media, and his virtual presence in an Indian city, regardless of MEA's non-involvement, inevitably sparks debate.

The controversy highlights the persistent challenges in navigating engagement with the de facto Afghan authorities.

For India, the principles of an inclusive government and the protection of human rights, especially for women, remain cornerstones of its policy towards Afghanistan. The MEA’s swift and clear disassociation from the 'male-only' event serves to reinforce these principles and reassure both domestic and international observers of India's consistent stance amidst complex geopolitical realities.