Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will visit Deoband in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and Agra on Sunday as part of a six-day official tour to India. This significant visit draws attention as it marks the first time a Taliban official has visited India since they took control of Kabul four years ago.
Officials from the Saharanpur police department confirmed that during his visit to Deoband, Muttaqi is scheduled to tour the renowned Darul Uloom Deoband seminary, one of South Asia’s most influential Islamic educational institutions. His arrival is expected around noon, allowing for a focused day of meetings and discussions before he returns to Delhi by evening.
Superintendent of Police (Saharanpur Rural) Sagar Jain emphasized the extensive security arrangements implemented in anticipation of the visit. The district administration, in close collaboration with local police and intelligence units, aims to ensure a smooth and secure programme.
Mufti Rehan Usmani, the office in-charge at Darul Uloom, confirmed the visit, stating they have been preparing to receive the Afghan minister. “Earlier, we expected him to stay for two days, but due to a packed schedule, the visit has been shortened to one day,” Usmani noted. He added that Muttaqi will meet key leaders including Rector Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani and Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani.
In addition to meeting with senior clerics, Muttaqi also plans to engage with Afghan students currently enrolled at the seminary. He will tour the institution’s historic library, which contains thousands of rare Islamic manuscripts, showcasing Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. This interaction has generated considerable excitement among students and locals alike, who are eager to reconnect with their homeland.
Following his time in Deoband, the Afghan Foreign Minister will travel to Agra on Sunday. His itinerary includes a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Leaving Delhi around 8 a.m., he is expected to arrive at Shilpgram, near the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal, by 11 a.m.
Upon reaching the monument, he will tour the site using an electric golf cart. Authorities anticipate that he will spend approximately an hour and a half at the Taj Mahal before returning to Delhi in the afternoon. Agra officials have assured that robust security measures will be in place for this high-profile visit, with a senior official stating, “No lapses will be tolerated, and security will remain tight throughout his stay.”
This trip occurs at a time of heightened diplomatic sensitivity, as India and Afghanistan navigate troubled relations with Pakistan over various issues, including cross-border terrorism and regional security concerns. Experts view the visit as an opportunity for both nations to recalibrate their ties amidst these challenges, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue.
As Afghanistan seeks to reinforce its international standing and India aims to assert its regional influence, the outcomes of being engaged in such diplomatic visits could have lasting implications for future relations.
