Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, graced the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary in Uttar Pradesh with his presence on Saturday, marking a significant moment in India-Afghanistan relations. This visit, the first by Muttaqi to India since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, resonated with deep spiritual significance and hinted at a potential positive shift in bilateral engagement.
The seminary organized a grand reception for the visiting minister, who had traveled from Delhi. A distinguished contingent of fifteen leading Islamic scholars was present to welcome him, with security measures meticulously coordinated by state and federal agencies. Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, the rector of Darul Uloom, led the welcome ceremony. Students and faculty offered a warm reception, with many capturing the historic occasion on their devices.
Within the seminary’s central library, Muttaqi engaged in a formal academic session, studying Hadith under the tutelage of Maulana Nomani. He was later granted the distinguished honor of teaching Hadith himself and received a ‘Sanad,’ an official certificate of authority. This prestigious recognition bestows upon him the academic title “Qasmi,” formally linking him to the historic institution and allowing him to be known as Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi Qasmi.
Maulana Arshad Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, remarked on the reciprocal educational relationship, stating, “He has come to visit his alma mater, and after that, he will hold discussions with us.” Muttaqi expressed his profound gratitude for the warm hospitality, viewing the reception as a promising sign for the future of India-Afghanistan ties. He conveyed optimism regarding strengthened bilateral relations and encouraged Indian scholars to visit Kabul, noting, “The future of India-Afghanistan relations seems very bright.”
Muttaqi’s visit is the most senior by a Taliban official to India since 2021. His earlier meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlights India’s deliberate strategy of maintaining communication channels with the current Afghan administration. Muttaqi himself underscored the deep spiritual and historical significance of Deoband as a key Islamic learning center with a long-standing connection to Afghanistan. He conveyed a desire for continued religious educational opportunities for Afghan students in India. Darul Uloom Deoband, established in the late 19th century, is a cornerstone of Islamic education in South Asia and holds considerable sway in Afghan religious circles. Many influential Taliban figures have ties to Deobandi institutions, making Muttaqi’s visit a powerful gesture of cultural and religious diplomacy, reinforcing historical bonds and fostering goodwill between the two nations.