India, Oct. 11 -- Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi triggered a controversy on Friday after no women journalists were allowed to attend his press conference at the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi, drawing sharp criticism from Indian opposition leaders.

Muttaqi, who arrived in India this week on his first visit since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021, met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday. The two discussed India's development assistance to Afghanistan, trade, and regional stability.

However, his subsequent media interaction on Friday drew criticism after women reporters were barred from attending, NDTV reported.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra condemned the move, saying on X (formerly Twitter): "...