Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday, October 11, expressed confidence in the growing partnership between India and Afghanistan, saying their relationship has a “very bright future”. The statement came during his visit to the historic Darul Uloom Deoband, where he was welcomed by scholars, students and residents. Speaking to ANI, Muttaqi said he was “deeply grateful” for the hospitality extended by the Ulema and locals. “The journey has been very good so far. Not just the people of Darul Uloom, but all the people of the area have come here. I am thankful to the Ulema of Deoband and the people for this warm welcome,” he told ANI. The visit is viewed as part of Kabul’s continuing engagement with New Delhi to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen cultural and developmental ties.
During his stay, Muttaqi is expected to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in trade, economic growth, security and cultural exchange. India has long been a major development partner for Afghanistan, contributing to projects in infrastructure, education and healthcare. Officials familiar with the visit said both sides are also likely to explore fresh opportunities to expand investment and people-to-people exchanges.
The Afghan minister’s visit comes a day after his talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi, where the two leaders reviewed a wide range of bilateral and regional issues.
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A joint statement issued after the meeting noted that Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s “long-standing friendship” with the Afghan people and its commitment to support their developmental aspirations. He also appreciated Afghanistan’s strong condemnation of the April terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir and its message of solidarity with India. Both ministers underlined the need to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, with the Afghan side assuring that its soil would not be used by any group or individual to harm India.
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India continues to play an active role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction and humanitarian support. Several healthcare projects are underway, including the establishment of a Thalassemia Centre, a Modern Diagnostic Centre and upgrades to the heating system at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul. Other projects include a 30-bed hospital, an Oncology Centre and a Trauma Centre in Kabul, as well as maternity health clinics in Paktika, Khost and Paktia provinces.
Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the oldest and most influential Islamic seminaries in India, hosted Muttaqi during his visit. Established in the late 19th century, it has trained prominent scholars and remains a significant institution of Islamic learning.
