Javed Akhtar Condemns Reception of Taliban Minister in India: Controversy Over Diplomatic Visit

Oct 14, 2025 11:35 am CST

Renowned screenwriter Javed Akhtar publicly criticized the warm welcome given to Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his historic six-day visit to India. The controversy escalated when women journalists were initially excluded from press interactions, prompting widespread criticism from opposition leaders and press organizations. This marks the first official visit by a Taliban representative since the group took power in Afghanistan in 2021, raising questions about India's diplomatic approach toward the unrecognized Taliban government.