Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will visit Deoband in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and Agra on Sunday as part of his six-day official tour of India, officials confirmed.
During his visit to Deoband, Muttaqi will explore the historic Darul Uloom Deoband, one of South Asia’s most prestigious Islamic seminaries. He will engage with senior clerics, scholars, and administrators at the institution.
Expected to arrive in Deoband around noon, the minister will return to Delhi in the evening, local police reported.
Saharanpur Rural Superintendent of Police Sagar Jain stated that comprehensive security arrangements have been implemented, with police and intelligence units deployed across the area. The district administration collaborates closely with Darul Uloom authorities to facilitate a seamless programme.
In a statement, Mufti Rehan Usmani, the office in-charge of Darul Uloom, confirmed the visit and mentioned preparations are in place to welcome the Afghan minister. He added, “Initially, we expected him to stay for two days, but due to a packed schedule, the visit has been shortened to one day. He will meet Rector Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani, and other senior clerics.”
Muttaqi also aims to engage with Afghan students attending the seminary and will tour its historic library, renowned for holding thousands of rare Islamic manuscripts. His anticipated visit has generated considerable excitement among students and residents.
On Sunday, the Afghan Foreign Minister will head to Agra to visit the world-famous Taj Mahal. Officials disclosed he will depart from Delhi at around 8 a.m., using the Yamuna Expressway, and reach Shilpgram, near the eastern gate of the monument, by 11 a.m.
Muttaqi will travel to the Taj Mahal in an electric golf cart and plans to spend approximately an hour and a half at the site before returning to Delhi.
Agra officials confirmed that elaborate security arrangements have been instituted for the high-profile visit. “No lapses will be tolerated, and security will remain tight throughout his stay,” a senior official emphasized.
This marks the first visit to India by a senior Taliban minister since the group assumed control in Kabul four years ago. The visit holds strategic significance at a time when India and Afghanistan grapple with strained relations with Pakistan, especially concerning issues like cross-border terrorism and regional security.
