Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrives in India for a significant six-day tour, scheduled to visit Deoband in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and Agra on Sunday. This visit holds substantial diplomatic importance as it marks the first by a senior Taliban minister since their resurgence in Kabul.
In Deoband, which hosts the esteemed Darul Uloom Deoband, Muttaqi will engage with a range of influential figures. He plans to visit the historic seminary at noon and will return to Delhi by evening for further engagements.
The local police in Saharanpur have emphasized that comprehensive security arrangements are set to ensure smooth proceedings during the minister’s visit. Superintendent of Police (Saharanpur Rural) Sagar Jain confirmed extensive police and intelligence deployment throughout the area.
Mufti Rehan Usmani, office in-charge of Darul Uloom, stated, “The seminary is preparing to welcome the Afghan minister. Understandably, his visit, originally planned for two days, is now condensed due to his packed schedule.”
During his time at Darul Uloom, Muttaqi is expected to meet with Rector Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani and Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani. The Afghan minister’s itinerary also includes interactions with Afghan students studying at the institution and a tour of its renowned library, which hosts thousands of rare Islamic manuscripts.
The excitement surrounding the visit resonates within both the student body and the local community, highlighting the longstanding educational and cultural ties between India and Afghanistan.
On the following day, Sunday, Muttaqi will travel to Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal. Authorities confirmed he will depart from Delhi around 8 a.m. and is expected to reach the historic site by 11 a.m. via the Yamuna Expressway. Accessing the Taj Mahal, he will ride an electric golf cart, allotted only an hour and a half to explore the majestic monument.
Officials in Agra have assured that elaborate security measures are in place to accompany the high-profile visitors. “We are rigorously monitoring all arrangements to prevent any security lapses during his visit,” stated a senior local official.
Significantly, this visit underscores the continuing complexities in India-Afghanistan relations, particularly as the Taliban faces contention with Pakistan over issues such as cross-border terrorism and regional security.
As the foreign minister of a country currently navigating tumultuous political relationships, Muttaqi’s tour serves not only as a cultural exchange but also as a diplomatic channel, potentially influencing future interactions and cooperation between India and Afghanistan.
