Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, undertook a significant pilgrimage to the historic Darul Uloom Deoband seminary in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, marking his inaugural visit to India since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The visit underscored profound spiritual linkages and signaled a potential advancement in diplomatic relations between India and Afghanistan.
Upon arrival, Muttaqi was met with an elaborate welcome orchestrated by the seminary. A delegation of fifteen prominent Islamic scholars received him, accompanied by robust security measures coordinated by national and state agencies. The rector of Darul Uloom, Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, presided over the welcoming ceremony, where students and faculty showered the visiting minister with flowers. The event drew considerable attention, with many attendees capturing the rare high-profile occasion.
A key highlight of the visit was Muttaqi’s participation in a scholarly session at the seminary’s central library, where he studied Hadith under Maulana Nomani. He was subsequently granted the honor of teaching Hadith himself and received a ‘Sanad’ (authority certificate). This prestigious academic recognition confers upon him the title “Qasmi,” formally allowing him to be known as Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi Qasmi, a testament to his connection with the esteemed institution.
Maulana Arshad Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, commented on the deep-rooted connection, stating, “He has come to visit his alma mater, and after that, he will hold discussions with us.” Muttaqi expressed his deep appreciation for the hospitality, viewing the reception as a positive indicator for future bilateral relations. He voiced his hope for enhanced ties and extended an invitation for Afghan diplomats and scholars to visit Kabul, remarking, “The future of India-Afghanistan relations seems very bright.”
As the highest-ranking Taliban official to visit India post-2021, Muttaqi’s trip holds considerable diplomatic weight. His earlier meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlights India’s strategy of maintaining dialogue with the Taliban regime, despite its non-recognition by the international community. Muttaqi stressed the visit’s profound spiritual and cultural significance, calling Deoband a vital center for the Islamic world with an enduring connection to Afghanistan. He expressed a desire for continued religious educational exchange between the two nations. The historical importance of Darul Uloom Deoband, as a cornerstone of Islamic scholarship in South Asia since the late 19th century, cannot be overstated. Its comprehensive curriculum and influence extend significantly into Afghan religious circles, with many Taliban figures having ties to Deobandi institutions. Muttaqi’s visit, therefore, served as both a personal reconnection with his academic roots and a strategic diplomatic overture, reinforcing historical bonds and fostering goodwill.