Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited Darul Uloom Deoband in Saharanpur, a prominent Islamic seminary in South Asia, expressing optimism about the strengthening of India-Afghanistan relations in the future. Despite the previous day’s controversy surrounding the absence of female journalists from his press conference in New Delhi, the seminary clarified that there were no restrictions on women journalists covering the events on Saturday.
Muttaqi, greeted warmly by officials and leaders at the seminary, conveyed his gratitude for the reception and hoped for the advancement of ties between India and Afghanistan. The Afghan leader mentioned plans to send new diplomats and anticipated more frequent visits between the two countries.
Security measures were heightened at Deoband ahead of Muttaqi’s visit, with arrangements made by intelligence and security agencies. This visit marks the first by a senior Taliban minister to India since the group seized power four years ago, although India has not officially recognized the Taliban government.
Criticism arose from opposition parties regarding the exclusion of female journalists from Muttaqi’s press conference, labeling it as unacceptable and disrespectful to women. Various organizations condemned the act as discriminatory, emphasizing that diplomatic privileges should not justify such actions.
The seminary clarified that there were no directives to prevent women journalists from attending the Afghan minister’s visit, dispelling rumors of deliberate exclusion. Despite the cancellation of a public event due to overcrowding and security concerns, the presence of a few women journalists at the event contradicted reports of their exclusion.
Muttaqi engaged in scholarly activities at Deoband, participating in a session where he symbolically read a lesson of Hadees under Maulana Nomani. The Afghan leader was honored with a personal title by Nomani, signifying his affiliation with a lineage of teachings.
The visit of the Afghan foreign minister to India holds significance amidst strained relations between India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan on various issues. Muttaqi emphasized the importance of collaboration between India and Afghanistan to overcome obstacles hindering the development of the Chabahar port in Iran.