Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, embarks on an official six-day visit to India, marking significant cultural and diplomatic engagements. He will arrive in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh this Saturday, followed by a visit to Agra on Sunday.
During his visit to Deoband, Muttaqi plans to tour the historic Darul Uloom Deoband, a prominent Islamic seminary known for its educational influence in South Asia. His itinerary includes meetings with senior clerics, scholars, and the institution’s administration. Police sources indicate that he is expected to arrive around noon and return to Delhi by evening.
Superintendent of Police (Saharanpur Rural) Sagar Jain announced that authorities have implemented comprehensive security measures for the event. Police and intelligence units will be deployed throughout the area to ensure safety and coordination with Darul Uloom officials for a smooth visit.
The seminary’s office in-charge, Mufti Rehan Usmani, confirmed the expected visit, stating, “We anticipated a two-day stay, but due to scheduling constraints, his visit is limited to one day. He will engage with Rector Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani and Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani.”
Moreover, Muttaqi plans to meet with Afghan students currently enrolled at the seminary and take a tour of its esteemed library, which contains a wealth of rare Islamic manuscripts. His visit has sparked enthusiasm among students and local residents alike.
Following his day in Deoband, the Afghan minister heads to Agra on Sunday, where he will visit the iconic Taj Mahal. Officials confirmed that he will depart from Delhi around 8 a.m., arriving at Shilpgram near the Taj Mahal by 11 a.m.
Upon his arrival, he will ride an electric golf cart to the Taj Mahal, spending approximately an hour and a half at the site before returning to Delhi in the afternoon. Agra authorities have established elaborate security protocols for this visit, emphasizing that “no lapses will be tolerated, and security will remain tight throughout his stay,” according to a senior official.
This visit marks a pivotal moment, being the first trip to India by a senior Taliban minister since the group regained control of Kabul four years ago. The trip holds considerable strategic significance, coinciding with challenging relations between India and Afghanistan regarding cross-border terrorism and regional security issues.
