Our Bureau
Deoband, Uttar Pradesh
Thousands crowded the Darul Uloom Deoband on Saturday to welcome Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, marking a significant moment in India-Afghanistan relations as New Delhi explores soft power linkages in the region. The anticipated public address by Muttaqi was cancelled amid a frenzy that saw a surge of men hoping to catch a glimpse of the Taliban leader.
Muttaqi, distinct in his black turban, addressed a select gathering within the library. His visit to the seminary, a historic seat of Islamic scholarship since the late 1800s, underscores growing diplomatic engagement even as India has yet to formally recognise the Taliban regime. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Muttaqi a day earlier, signalling upgraded ties as India’s “technical mission” in Kabul is set for embassy status.
Maulana Arshad Madani, principal of Darul Uloom, highlighted the enduring friendship, emphasising the institution’s role in both Indian independence and contemporary regional stability.
However, the visit was not without controversy, drawing criticism over exclusion of Indian women journalists from embassy press events, and comes as Afghanistan-Pakistan ties remain tense following deadly border skirmishes. With Russia and China deepening engagement with the Taliban, including strategic investments and formal recognition, India is poised to renew economic and humanitarian commitments worth billions in Afghanistan, while considering new mining and infrastructure projects.
