Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Taliban FM in Delhi Holds Women-Inclusive Presser, Seeks Indian Investment and Embassy Reopenings

The trip has shifted to economic outreach after a gender row over press access.

Overview

  • After criticism of an all-male briefing, Amir Khan Muttaqi convened a second press meet that included women and called the earlier exclusion a technical issue.
  • India’s external affairs ministry said it had no role in deciding the first event’s invitation list.
  • At the follow-up event the Taliban’s black-and-white flag was displayed inside the Afghan embassy while the main flagpole retained the Afghan Republic flag, with local reports alleging embassy staff were pressured.
  • Taliban representatives said they will reopen the Afghan mission in New Delhi and urged Indian investment in mining, infrastructure, energy, transport, water resources and healthcare, with talks also touching air links and use of Chabahar Port.
  • Muttaqi’s visit, the highest-level Taliban trip to India since 2021, included a meeting with S. Jaishankar as local reports pointed to recent AfghanPakistani border clashes providing a tense backdrop.