Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will visit Deoband, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and Agra on Sunday during his six-day official tour of India. This visit marks the first by a senior Taliban minister to India since the group regained power in Kabul.
In Deoband, which is located in Saharanpur district, Muttaqi will tour the historic Darul Uloom Deoband, a key Islamic seminary in South Asia. His schedule includes meetings with senior clerics and scholars at the institution aimed at strengthening ties and gaining support.
Officials confirmed that the Afghan minister is expected to arrive around noon and depart for Delhi by evening. Superintendent of Police Sagar Jain announced that comprehensive security arrangements are in place, with police and intelligence units ensuring safety throughout the duration of the visit.
Mufti Rehan Usmani, in charge of Darul Uloom’s office, stated, “We are preparing to receive the Afghan minister and expect significant discussions with key figures like Rector Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani and Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani.” Usmani added that the visit was initially planned for two days but has been reduced due to a busy schedule.
During his time at Darul Uloom, Muttaqi will also engage with Afghan students currently enrolled at the seminary and explore its historic library, known for housing a treasure trove of rare Islamic manuscripts. This engagement has generated considerable excitement among the students and local residents.
On Sunday, the Afghan Foreign Minister will visit Agra to explore the Taj Mahal. He is scheduled to leave Delhi at approximately 8 a.m., using the Yamuna Expressway, and will arrive at Shilpgram, near the monument, around 11 a.m.
Muttaqi will tour the Taj Mahal in an electric golf cart and is expected to spend about an hour and a half appreciating this UNESCO World Heritage site before heading back to Delhi in the afternoon.
Authorities in Agra have implemented extensive security measures to accommodate the high-profile visit. “We aim to ensure complete safety and security, with no lapses tolerated,” a senior official confirmed.
The diplomatic significance of this visit cannot be overstated. It comes amid strained India-Afghanistan ties, particularly concerning issues like cross-border terrorism and regional stability, especially in relation to Pakistan.
