Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has concluded a significant visit to the esteemed Darul Uloom Deoband Islamic seminary in India. During this visit, Muttaqi met with prominent religious scholars, including Maulana Arshad Madani, and articulated his hope for an expansion of India-Afghanistan relations. This visit, a key event within a six-day trip to India, is widely considered a dual religious and diplomatic maneuver in light of evolving regional geopolitical dynamics. Muttaqi, accompanied by his delegation, traveled from Delhi and was met with an enthusiastic reception at the historic Darul Uloom. Vice-Chancellor Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani and Maulana Arshad Madani, president of the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, were among those who welcomed him, with a large assembly of students and residents present, albeit under robust security protocols. “I hope that India-Afghanistan ties advance further,” Muttaqi remarked, expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome and affection he received. This visit is viewed as a strategic diplomatic act, potentially contesting claims by Pakistan regarding its role as the primary proponent of Deobandi Islam and supporter of the Taliban. Muttaqi’s engagement with Darul Uloom underscores the Taliban’s historical and religious ties to India, hinting at a potential recalibration of its foreign policy and a reduced dependence on Pakistan. Darul Uloom Deoband, founded in 1866, is a globally recognized institution of Islamic learning, with its graduates holding significant positions in religious education and governance. The Taliban hold the seminary in high regard, and its alumni are often appointed to key roles within the Afghan government. While stricter visa policies have impacted student numbers over time, there are currently about 15 Afghan students studying at the institution. Muttaqi also addressed potential future collaborations, including the dispatch of new diplomats and invitations for Indian delegations to visit Kabul. Discussions also touched upon the possibility of joint development efforts concerning Iran’s Chabahar port, with the acknowledged challenge of international sanctions. The visit holds particular relevance given the current frosty relations between India and Pakistan over security concerns, indicating Afghanistan’s strategic aim to diversify its diplomatic partnerships and deepen connections within the South Asian region.
