NEW DELHI — Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi faced an unusual challenge during his visit to India as women journalists publicly questioned him about the exclusion and oppression of Afghan women.

Three days after being barred from an initial press conference, female reporters were allowed to attend a second event at the Afghan Embassy in Delhi. They asked pointed questions about the Taliban’s restrictions on education and employment for women.

“Why are you doing this in Afghanistan? When will women regain their right to education?” asked independent journalist Smita Sharma.

Muttaqi’s week-long trip marks the first foreign diplomatic visit by a senior Taliban leader since the group seized power in 2021. The visit is seen as part of the Taliban’s effort to gain legitimacy, with India recently upgrading its diplomatic mission in Kabul.

The first press conference, limited to male journalists, drew widespread criticism from Indian press groups and politicians. The Press Club of India condemned the exclusion, while the Editors Guild called it “blatant gender discrimination.” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it had no role in the invitations, which sparked debate over whether democratic principles were being compromised.

During the second press conference, Muttaqi cited a “technical issue” for the absence of women initially and claimed no political intent. Women journalists were seated at the front in a show of solidarity by their male colleagues.

Muttaqi defended the Taliban’s policies, stating that educational opportunities exist for 2.8 million Afghan girls and women and claiming religious seminaries offer advanced education. Journalists dismissed these claims as “well-rehearsed lies,” pointing to the ongoing ban on secondary and higher education for girls.

Afghanistan remains the only country restricting general education for women at these levels, with strict rules on dress, travel, and guardianship. UN and human rights groups have accused the Taliban of “gender apartheid,” and the International Criminal Court recently sought arrest warrants for top leaders over persecution of women and girls.

While Russia is the only country to recognize the Taliban, analysts say Muttaqi’s visit signals India’s cautious diplomatic engagement, partly to counterbalance strained ties with Pakistan.