In a significant and symbolic gesture, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited Darul Uloom Deoband, one of India’s oldest and most influential Islamic seminaries, located in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district. The visit marked a moment of deep historical and cultural resonance, given Deoband’s long-standing religious ties with Afghanistan and the broader Islamic world.
During his visit, Muttaqi was accorded a warm welcome by the seminary’s scholars and administrators. He was presented with a ‘Sanad’ (certificate of honor) — a recognition of respect traditionally given to distinguished guests and Islamic scholars who have contributed to religious and social causes.
Muttaqi expressed admiration for the institution’s enduring role in Islamic education and moral guidance, calling Darul Uloom Deoband “a lighthouse of knowledge that has guided generations across the Muslim world.” He also interacted with the seminary’s clerics and students, discussing the preservation of Islamic traditions, religious scholarship, and the role of education in strengthening moral values and social harmony.
Founded in 1866, Darul Uloom Deoband holds immense influence across South and Central Asia. Many Afghan clerics and students have historically studied there, and its teachings have shaped several Islamic movements in the region.
The visit is being viewed as part of the Taliban government’s broader outreach to regional powers and cultural institutions following its return to power in 2021. While the Indian government has not formally recognized the Taliban regime, such interactions highlight a gradual softening in engagement between India and Afghanistan on cultural and humanitarian fronts.
Observers note that Muttaqi’s presence in Deoband symbolizes an effort to revive religious and educational diplomacy, emphasizing shared historical bonds rather than political divides.
The meeting concluded with prayers for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the wider Muslim world, underlining a message of unity through faith and education.