Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to visit Deoband in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district on Saturday and Agra on Sunday as part of his six-day official visit to India. This marks a significant diplomatic engagement, focusing on the exchange of ideas and building ties between the two nations.
During his one-day visit to Deoband, Muttaqi will tour the historic Darul Uloom Deoband, one of South Asia’s most influential Islamic seminaries. Officials confirmed that he aims to meet with senior clerics, scholars, and administrators of the institution, which plays a critical role in Islamic education.
Expected to arrive around noon, he will depart for Delhi by evening, ensuring a focused and meaningful encounter within the limited timeframe. Superintendent of Police (Saharanpur Rural) Sagar Jain emphasized the importance of security during this visit.
“Comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place, with both police and intelligence units deployed throughout Deoband,” said Jain. The district administration continues to coordinate closely with Darul Uloom authorities to ensure the program proceeds without a hitch.
Mufti Rehan Usmani, the seminary’s office in-charge, confirmed the visit. He stated, “Initially, we expected him to stay for two days, but due to a packed schedule, it has been reduced to one day. He will meet key figures such as Rector Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani and Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani.”
Muttaqi’s itinerary also includes meeting Afghan students currently enrolled at Darul Uloom. He’ll tour the seminary’s historic library, renowned for housing thousands of rare Islamic manuscripts. The anticipation surrounding his visit has ignited excitement among both students and local residents, highlighting the significance of cultural and educational exchanges.
After his visit to Deoband, the Afghan Foreign Minister will travel to Agra on Sunday to visit the Taj Mahal. Officials announced that he will depart from Delhi around 8 a.m. via the Yamuna Expressway, arriving at Shilpgram near the monument’s eastern gate by 11 a.m..
Authorities will transport him to the Taj Mahal in an electric golf cart, where he is expected to spend approximately an hour and a half before heading back to Delhi in the afternoon.
The Agra administration has orchestrated elaborate security protocols for this high-profile visit. “No lapses will be tolerated, and security will remain tight throughout his stay,” a senior official remarked.
This visit marks a historic moment as it is the first to India by a senior Taliban minister since the group regained control in Kabul four years ago. The diplomatic engagement carries import and potential for reshaping India-Afghanistan relations.
India and Afghanistan share strained ties, particularly concerning issues related to Pakistan, involving cross-border terrorism and broader regional security concerns. As both nations navigate their complex relationship, this visit comes with expectations for dialogue and cooperation aimed at addressing mutual interests.
