Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, is set to visit Deoband in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and Agra on Sunday during his six-day official tour of India. This visit, according to officials, marks a pivotal moment in diplomatic relations between India and Afghanistan.
During his visit to Deoband, Muttaqi will tour the historic Darul Uloom Deoband, one of South Asia’s premier Islamic seminaries. He plans to meet with prominent clerics, scholars, and key administrators of the institution. The visit aims to strengthen cultural and religious ties amid challenging political landscapes.
He is expected to arrive at Darul Uloom at approximately noon and depart back to Delhi by evening, as per the Saharanpur police’s briefing.
Superintendent of Police (Saharanpur Rural) Sagar Jain confirmed that extensive security measures are in place, involving police and intelligence units to safeguard the visit. The local administration collaborates with Darul Uloom’s management to ensure everything runs seamlessly.
According to Mufti Rehan Usmani, the office in-charge at Darul Uloom, preparations for Muttaqi’s visit are underway. “Originally, we anticipated a two-day stay, but due to his busy schedule, it has condensed to one day. He will engage with Rector Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani, and other distinguished clerics,” Usmani explained.
Among the highlights of his visit will include meetings with Afghan students studying at the seminary and a tour of its historic library, which boasts an extensive collection of rare Islamic manuscripts. This itinerary has generated significant enthusiasm among local residents and the student body.
On Sunday, following his Deoband engagements, Muttaqi will proceed to Agra to visit the iconic Taj Mahal. Officials revealed he plans to leave Delhi around 8 a.m. via the Yamuna Expressway, aiming to reach Shilpgram, positioned near the eastern gate of the monument, by 11 a.m.
In a unique arrangement, he will be transported to the Taj Mahal in an electric golf cart, with plans to spend approximately an hour and a half at the site before returning to Delhi in the early afternoon.
Authorities in Agra have implemented elaborate security arrangements for this important visit. “We are committed to ensuring utmost security during his stay, and no lapses will be tolerated,” confirmed a senior official involved in security operations.
This occurrence is significant as it marks the first visit by a senior Taliban minister to India since the group took control of Kabul four years ago. Both nations are exploring means to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape, particularly amidst ongoing tensions with Pakistan over cross-border terrorism and regional security issues.
The engagement with India signifies a potential thaw in relations, prompting anticipation for future diplomatic dialogues that could reshape regional dynamics. As Afghanistan seeks international recognition amid its governance challenges, high-level visits like this could pave the way for enhanced cooperation.
As the visit unfolds, the impact on India-Afghanistan relations remains to be seen. Experts suggest that maintaining open lines of communication will be crucial in addressing shared concerns, such as security and counter-terrorism efforts.
