Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will visit Deoband in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district on Saturday and Agra on Sunday as part of his six-day official tour to India. This visit holds strategic importance, coming in a period where India and Afghanistan face complex diplomatic challenges.
Officials confirmed that Muttaqi will spend the day in Deoband, touring the historic Darul Uloom Deoband, which is one of South Asia’s most influential Islamic seminaries. He is expected to engage with senior clerics and scholars responsible for the institution’s administration.
Preparations for his visit have been extensive. The Superintendent of Police (Saharanpur Rural) Sagar Jain indicated that comprehensive security arrangements will be in place, with police and intelligence units working in tandem to ensure safety. Local authorities have coordinated closely with the seminary’s administration to facilitate a smooth visit.
Mufti Rehan Usmani, the seminary’s office in-charge, acknowledged the anticipated visit, mentioning that preparations are underway to welcome the Afghan minister. “Originally, we expected him to stay for two days, but due to a packed schedule, the visit has been shortened to one day,” Usmani said. He will engage with Rector Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani, along with other senior clerics.
Muttaqi is also likely to meet Afghan students studying at the seminary, further highlighting his commitment to strengthening educational ties. His tour includes a visit to the seminary’s historic library, which houses thousands of rare Islamic manuscripts. This aspect of the visit has sparked excitement among both students and the local community.
On Sunday, the Afghan Foreign Minister will move to Agra to visit the renowned Taj Mahal. He will depart from Delhi around 8 a.m. and is set to arrive at Shilpgram, near the eastern gate of the monument by 11 a.m. Authorities confirm that he will travel to the Taj Mahal in an electric golf cart and spend approximately an hour and a half at this iconic site before heading back to Delhi in the afternoon.
Officials in Agra have implemented elaborate security measures for this high-profile visit. “No lapses will be tolerated, and security will remain tight throughout his stay,” stated a senior official overseeing safety protocols.
This visit represents the first journey to India by a senior Taliban minister since they took power in Kabul four years ago. The implications of this visit extend beyond mere sightseeing; it reflects an evolving narrative in India-Afghanistan relations.
Significantly, the timing of the trip underscores the regional complexities faced by both nations, especially given their strained ties with Pakistan over cross-border terrorism and ongoing regional security issues. The meeting’s outcomes may impact future diplomatic engagements in South Asia.
