Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi Visits India: Deoband & Agra
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is visiting Deoband and Agra during his six-day tour of India, focusing on strengthening ties amid regional tensions.
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Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrives in India for a six-day visit, confirming his itinerary includes significant stops in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, and Agra this weekend. His visit comes amid growing tension in South Asian geopolitics.
On Saturday, Muttaqi will visit Darul Uloom Deoband, one of South Asia’s leading Islamic seminaries. He is scheduled to meet with senior clerics, scholars, and institution leaders.
Sources indicate that he will land in Deoband around noon and plans to depart for Delhi in the evening. Officials confirm that the visit is subject to stringent security measures due to its high-profile nature.
Saharanpur Rural Superintendent of Police Sagar Jain stated that comprehensive security arrangements are in place. Teams from local police and intelligence agencies have mobilized in coordination with Darul Uloom authorities to manage the schedule seamlessly.
Mufti Rehan Usmani, the seminary’s office in charge, confirmed the arrangements for the visit. He mentioned, “We initially expected him to stay for two days, but due to a packed agenda, it has been reduced to one day.” He noted that Muttaqi will meet with Rector Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani and Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani.
During the visit, Muttaqi is also expected to meet Afghan students currently enrolled at the seminary. He plans to tour its historic library, which is home to thousands of rare Islamic manuscripts. This visit has stirred excitement among both students and local residents who await his presence.
On Sunday, the Afghan Foreign Minister will travel to Agra where he plans a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal. Authorities report that he will leave Delhi at 8 a.m., aiming to arrive at Shilpgram near the eastern gate of the monument by 11 a.m.
Earlier reports suggest he will tour the Taj Mahal in an electric golf cart, intending to stay for approximately an hour and a half before returning to Delhi in the afternoon.
Agra officials have confirmed that elaborate security measures will be implemented to ensure his safety. A senior official stated, “We will not tolerate any lapses in security, and protocols will remain stringent throughout his visit.”
This trip marks a crucial moment as it represents the first visit to India by a senior Taliban minister since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan four years ago. This visit holds strategic significance amidst fraught relations between India and Afghanistan, especially considering shared concerns regarding cross-border terrorism and regional security threats.
