The absence of female journalists from a press conference held by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and media advocates in India. Critics, including Congress leaders, argued that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government failed to uphold women’s rights, especially given the Taliban’s notorious record on gender discrimination. The Indian Women’s Press Corps urged the government to address this exclusion with the Afghan Embassy, emphasizing the need for gender equality in media representations. This incident highlights the tension between diplomatic engagements and India’s commitment to gender justice, raising concerns about the implications for India’s global image as a champion of democracy and women’s rights.