Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi begins his significant six-day official visit to India on a mission to strengthen bilateral ties. His itinerary includes visits to Deoband in Uttar Pradesh and Agra on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
On Saturday, Muttaqi will arrive in Deoband, a town renowned for the historic Darul Uloom Deoband, one of South Asia’s most influential Islamic seminaries. He is expected to interact with senior clerics, scholars, and the institution’s administrators during his day-long visit.
According to police officials, Muttaqi will arrive around noon and anticipate leaving Deoband for Delhi by evening. The Saharanpur police have implemented comprehensive security arrangements, ensuring that police and intelligence units monitor the area closely.
Superintendent of Police (Saharanpur Rural) Sagar Jain emphasized that local authorities are working closely with Darul Uloom leaders to guarantee the visit proceeds smoothly. Mufti Rehan Usmani, office in-charge of Darul Uloom, confirmed the engagements, noting plans to host the Afghan minister despite the visit being shortened due to a packed itinerary.
“Initially, we anticipated a two-day visit, but it has been condensed to one day as his schedule is quite full. He will engage with Rector Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani, and other esteemed scholars,” said Usmani.During his time at Darul Uloom, Muttaqi plans to connect with Afghan students enrolled there and explore the institution’s historic library, known for housing thousands of unique Islamic manuscripts. His visit has triggered excitement among the students and local community.
Following his time in Deoband, Muttaqi will journey to Agra on Sunday to visit the world-renowned Taj Mahal. Officials revealed that he plans to leave Delhi by 8 a.m., traveling via the Yamuna Expressway and reaching Shilpgram, near the monument’s eastern entrance, by 11 a.m.
Officials stated he will take an electric golf cart to the Taj Mahal, where he intends to spend approximately 90 minutes before returning to Delhi in the afternoon. The administration in Agra has prepared elaborate security measures to ensure his safety.
“We are committed to maintaining a secure environment, and no lapses will be tolerated during his visit,” noted a senior security official.
This tour marks the first visit of a senior Taliban minister to India since the group regained control of Kabul four years ago. It carries substantial strategic significance against the backdrop of strained relations between India and Afghanistan, particularly regarding tensions with Pakistan stemming from cross-border terrorism and regional security issues.
