Afghan Foreign Minister Aamir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday visited the historic Darul Uloom Deoband Islamic Madrasa and said that India-Afghanistan relations are going to get stronger. As part of a six-day visit to India, the visit is being seen as a religious and diplomatic initiative amid the changing regional scenario. Muttaki, who came by road from Delhi with his delegation, was welcomed by Darul Uloom Vice-Chancellor Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani and other officials amid shower of flowers. Security personnel followed strict protocols, but hundreds of students and local residents gathered at the madrassa to welcome him.
Read this also: India-Afghanistan Relations | Taliban Foreign Minister to visit Deoband and Agra, great hope for India-Afghan relations from Muttaki’s visit
Speaking to reporters, Muttaki expressed his gratitude for the welcome. I am grateful for the grand welcome and the affection shown by the people here. I hope that India-Afghanistan relations will become even stronger. Muttaki’s visit is being seen as an important religious and diplomatic initiative. Analysts believe this challenges Pakistan’s claim that it is the main defender of Deobandi Islam and a major supporter of the Taliban. By traveling to Deoband, Muttaki indicated that the Taliban’s religious roots are linked to India, indicating a change in Taliban diplomacy and a possible reduction in dependence on Pakistan.
Read this also: Prabhasakshi NewsRoom: Women journalists were not allowed in Taliban Minister’s press conference in Delhi, political uproar created.
Established in 1866, Darul Uloom Deoband is one of the most influential Islamic institutions in South Asia. This madrassa has produced scholars and leaders who play major roles in Islamic education and governance. The Taliban considers Darul Uloom a model institution and its graduates are often given preference in government roles in Afghanistan. There are currently about 15 students studying at Darul Uloom in Afghanistan, although the number of students has decreased since 2000 due to stricter visa regulations.