Javed Akhtar Condemns ‘Shameful Reception’ to Taliban Minister in Delhi, Questions Deoband’s ‘Reverent Welcome’

Javed Akhtar’s Sharp Rebuke

Renowned writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has denounced the “reception and respect” given to Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his ongoing visit to New Delhi, calling it deeply shameful and contrary to India’s values.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Akhtar wrote, “I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception given to the representative of the world’s worst terrorist group Taliban by those who beat the pulpit against all kinds of terrorists.”

He further criticised the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district for what he called a “reverent welcome” to Muttaqi. “Shame on Deoband too for giving such a reverent welcome to their ‘Islamic Hero’ who is one of those who have completely banned girls’ education,” Akhtar added, questioning, “My Indian brothers and sisters, what is happening to us?”

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Taliban Leader’s Controversial Visit

Amir Khan Muttaqi’s six-day visit to India marks the first official trip by a Taliban leader since the group regained power in Afghanistan in 2021. His arrival followed a UN Security Council exemption from an international travel ban, allowing him to engage in diplomatic visits.

Muttaqi, listed under the UN’s sanctions regime since January 25, 2001, remains subject to an asset freeze and arms embargo. India, while maintaining contact with Afghan authorities, has not formally recognised the Taliban government, and continues to advocate for a truly inclusive administration in Kabul that safeguards the rights of all Afghan citizens, including women and minorities.

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Backlash Over Exclusion of Women Journalists

The visit sparked a fresh controversy last week after no women journalists were present during Muttaqi’s media interaction in Delhi. Opposition parties and media organisations condemned the incident as “unacceptable” and “an insult to women.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that it had no role in organising the press conference, distancing itself from the event.

Amid criticism, Muttaqi later addressed another media briefing on Sunday, inviting several women journalists. He claimed the earlier exclusion was unintentional, saying, “It was organised on short notice… it was more of a technical issue.” He added that “no one’s rights — men’s or women’s — should be violated.”

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A Divided Debate

Akhtar’s comments have reignited debate over India’s engagement with the Taliban. While some foreign policy experts view such visits as part of New Delhi’s pragmatic diplomacy, critics argue that offering legitimacy to a regime with a record of human rights abuses undermines India’s moral credibility.

Human rights advocates have echoed Akhtar’s sentiment, saying that welcoming Taliban representatives contradicts India’s long-standing stance against terrorism and gender discrimination.