Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Visit Deoband
Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, will visit Deoband and Agra during a six-day trip to India, marking significant diplomatic engagement amidst strained ties.
Janta Ki Adalat 
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will embark on a six-day official tour of India, visiting Deoband in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and Agra on Sunday. His visit marks an important step in diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and India.
According to sources from Saharanpur police, during his visit to Deoband, Muttaqi will explore the historic Darul Uloom Deoband, an influential Islamic seminary in South Asia. His agenda includes meetings with senior clerics, scholars, and the administrative body of this respected institution.
Muttaqi is expected to arrive in Deoband around noon and return to Delhi later in the evening. Superintendent of Police (Saharanpur Rural) Sagar Jain confirmed that extensive security measures are in place, with dedicated police and intelligence personnel ensuring a secure environment.
The district administration collaborates closely with the Darul Uloom authorities to facilitate a seamless visit, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety standards. Mufti Rehan Usmani, the office in-charge of Darul Uloom, expressed readiness for the visit, mentioning that they had to condense the originally planned two-day itinerary into one. “He will engage with Rector Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, Maulana Arshad Madani from Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, and other prominent clerics,” Usmani stated.
Muttaqi’s itinerary also includes interactions with Afghan students within the seminary, as well as a tour of its historic library, which boasts thousands of rare Islamic manuscripts. This visit has generated notable enthusiasm among students and local residents.
On Sunday, the Afghan Foreign Minister will proceed to Agra to admire the Taj Mahal. He plans to depart from Delhi at around 8 a.m., travelling via the Yamuna Expressway and expected to arrive at Shilpgram, near the eastern gate of the monument, by 11 a.m.
Upon arrival, he will tour the Taj Mahal in an electric golf cart, spending approximately one-and-a-half hours at this iconic landmark before returning to Delhi during the afternoon. Local officials have indicated that detailed security protocols are actively in place for this high-profile visit.
“We will not tolerate any security lapses, ensuring tight measures throughout his stay,” stated a senior official overseeing the arrangements.
This visit marks the first engagement of a senior Taliban minister with India since the Taliban regained control over Kabul four years ago. The trip assumes significant geopolitical relevance amidst ongoing tension between India and Afghanistan concerning cross-border issues, including terrorism and regional security.
In light of the current diplomatic climate, this visit presents both countries with an opportunity to engage in dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and fostering a mutual understanding that addresses security concerns.
