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, marking a significant diplomatic engagement.
Officials confirmed that Muttaqi will arrive in Deoband around noon to tour the historic Darul Uloom Deoband, renowned as one of South Asia’s most pivotal Islamic seminaries. His itinerary includes meetings with senior clerics, scholars, and institution administrators during his day-long stay.
Superintendent of Police Sagar Jain announced robust security measures, with police and intelligence units deployed across the area. Authorities coordinate closely with Darul Uloom to ensure a smooth operation of the program.
The office in-charge of the seminary, Mufti Rehan Usmani, confirmed that preparations are underway to host the Afghan minister. “Due to a packed schedule, his visit has been shortened to one day. He will meet with Rector Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani, and other scholars,” Usmani stated.
During his visit, Muttaqi will also engage with Afghan students at the seminary and explore its historic library, which houses thousands of rare Islamic manuscripts. Local residents and students express enthusiasm for the visit.
On Sunday, Minister Muttaqi will head to Agra to visit the iconic Taj Mahal. Reports indicate he will leave Delhi around 8 a.m. via the Yamuna Expressway and arrive at Shilpgram, adjacent to the monument’s eastern entrance, by 11 a.m.
Officials will escort him to the Taj Mahal using an electric golf cart, with plans for him to spend approximately an hour and a half at the site before returning to Delhi in the afternoon.
Agra’s authorities confirmed they have established elaborate security arrangements for this high-profile visit. A senior official declared, “No lapses will be tolerated, and security will remain stringent throughout his stay.”
This tour marks the first visit to India by a senior Taliban minister since the group regained control of Afghanistan four years ago, emphasizing the visit’s geopolitical significance.
India and Afghanistan’s relations currently experience strain, particularly regarding cross-border terrorism and regional security issues involving Pakistan. In this light, the significance of Muttaqi’s visit escalates, presenting an opportunity for dialogue and potential thawing of ties.
As global observers scrutinize this engagement, it stands not just as a cultural exchange but also represents broader implications for India’s foreign policy in the region. The outcomes of these meetings may influence future diplomatic endeavors between India and Afghanistan.
