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Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, made a significant visit to the revered Darul Uloom Deoband seminary in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. This marks his first trip to India since the Taliban’s resurgence in power in 2021, highlighting deep spiritual connections and hinting at improved relations between India and Afghanistan. The seminary provided a grand reception for Muttaqi, who arrived after a morning departure from Delhi. He was welcomed by a distinguished group of 15 Islamic scholars, with extensive security arrangements in place.
The ceremony was led by the rector of Darul Uloom, Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani. Students and faculty offered a warm welcome, with many eager to capture the rare event. Inside the library, Muttaqi engaged in a scholarly session studying Hadith under Maulana Nomani. He was later granted permission to teach Hadith and received a ‘Sanad’ (certificate of authority), earning him the academic title ‘Qasmi’, a prestigious honor linking him to the seminary. He is now formally recognized as Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi Qasmi.
Speaking at the event, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani acknowledged the educational ties, stating, “He has come to visit his alma mater, and after that, he will hold discussions with us.” Muttaqi conveyed his gratitude for the warm reception, expressing hope for strengthened India-Afghanistan relations and extending an invitation for Indian scholars to visit Kabul. He described the experiences in Delhi and Deoband as promising for bilateral ties, stating, “The future of India-Afghanistan relations seems very bright.”
This visit by a senior Taliban official underscores India’s cautious engagement with the current Afghan government. Muttaqi emphasized the spiritual significance of Deoband as a major Islamic center, emphasizing the long-standing connection and the desire for continued religious education for Afghan students in India. The Darul Uloom Deoband, founded in the late 19th century, is a leading institution for Islamic learning, with a comprehensive curriculum that includes studies in religious sciences, alongside exposure to India’s diverse culture. Afghanistan shares deep historical ties with Deoband, with many Taliban leaders holding the seminary in high regard. Muttaqi reiterated, “Deoband is a significant religious centre for us.” This strategic and symbolic visit reinforces historical educational and religious bonds, fostering goodwill and cultural diplomacy crucial for the future of bilateral relations.
