Opposition parties have strongly condemned the exclusion of women journalists from a press conference held by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on October 10, 2025. The incident has sparked outrage, with leaders questioning the Modi government's commitment to women's rights and equality.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demanded clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "When you allow the exclusion of women journalists from a public forum, you are telling every woman in India that you are too weak to stand up for them." She further questioned whether the Prime Minister's recognition of women's rights was merely "convenient posturing from one election to another."

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, echoed these sentiments, asserting that Modi's silence on the matter reveals the hollowness of his slogans on Nari Shakti. He emphasized that women have the right to equal participation in all spaces.

The press conference, which followed discussions between Muttaqi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, was attended exclusively by male journalists, with women reporters notably absent. Congress communication chief Jairam Ramesh described the situation as "shocking and unacceptable," especially given that it occurred on the eve of the International Day of the Girl Child.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra criticized the government for allowing such a discriminatory act, calling it a "dishonourable" incident that contradicts India's values. She expressed her outrage on social media, highlighting the Taliban's history of restricting women's rights and questioning the decision to extend diplomatic courtesies to their delegation.

Moitra also called out the male journalists present at the press conference for their silence, asking, "Are you emasculated? Are you spineless?" She labeled the incident a national shame and urged citizens to hold the government accountable for its actions.

Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram expressed his shock, suggesting that male journalists should have walked out in protest against the exclusion of their female colleagues. Other opposition leaders, including D. Raja from the Communist Party of India, demanded an explanation from the Ministry of External Affairs, stating that allowing such exclusion is a violation of India's constitutional spirit.

As the opposition continues to voice their concerns, the government has yet to issue an official response regarding the incident. The situation has raised significant questions about India's stance on gender equality and press freedom in the context of international diplomacy.