Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will visit Deoband in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and Agra on Sunday during his six-day tour of India, as confirmed by officials.
During his day-long stay in Deoband, Muttaqi plans to visit the prominent Darul Uloom Deoband, a major Islamic seminary in South Asia. There, he will engage with senior clerics, scholars, and administrators at the institution. His scheduled arrival is around noon, followed by a return to Delhi by evening, as outlined by local police.
Superintendent of Police Sagar Jain has announced thorough security measures for this visit, deploying extensive police and intelligence units throughout the district. The administration collaborates closely with the Darul Uloom authorities to ensure a seamless program.
Mufti Rehan Usmani, the office in-charge of Darul Uloom, stated that preparations are in full swing to welcome the Afghan minister. “Initially, we anticipated a two-day visit, but due to a tight schedule, it has been condensed to one day. He will meet with Rector Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani, and other senior clerics,” Usmani told PTI.
In addition to these meetings, Muttaqi is expected to interact with Afghan students enrolled at the seminary, and tour its significant historic library, renowned for housing thousands of rare Islamic manuscripts. The visit has generated eager anticipation among students and local residents.
On the following day, Sunday, the Afghan Foreign Minister is slated to journey to Agra for a visit to the famed Taj Mahal. He plans to depart from Delhi at approximately 8 a.m. via the Yamuna Expressway, reaching Shilpgram, near the eastern entrance of the monument, by 11 a.m.
To facilitate the visit, officials will transport him to the Taj Mahal in an electric golf cart. His itinerary includes spending roughly an hour and a half at the monumental site before returning to Delhi in the afternoon.
Agra authorities report that elaborate security arrangements are in place for this important visit. A senior official emphasized, “No lapses will be tolerated, and security will remain tight throughout his stay.”
This trip marks a significant diplomatic moment, being the first visit to India by a senior Taliban minister since the group regained control of Kabul four years ago.
The timing of the visit holds strategic significance, especially considering the current tensions between India and Afghanistan regarding Pakistan on issues like cross-border terrorism and regional security.
