Andalib Akhter New Delhi
The Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi visit to India is being described as a historic and symbolic moment — particularly because of his trip at Darul Uloom Deoband and his special meeting with Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind.
Muttaqi referred to Deoband as a “mother of knowledge and a spiritual centre”, highlighting the deep-rooted educational, cultural, and civilizational ties between Afghanistan and India.
“God willing, India-Afghanistan relations will advance a lot in the coming days. I am thankful for such a grand welcome and the affection shown by the people of the region and by the students and teachers of Darul Uloom. I am hoping that we will exchange more visits with India in the coming days. My discussion in Delhi was also very good. India-Afghanistan relations will have a bright future and we are about to send our diplomats to Delhi,” said Mr. Muttaqi, following his meeting with the students and teachers at the seminary.
At the heavily packed venue, Mr. Muttaqi took the microphone and said, “Deoband hamara madar-e-ilmi hei (Deoband is our alma mater)“, indicating the role that the tradition of Deoband’s Darul Uloom has played in strengthening the Taliban movement during the years of occupation of Afghanistan under the Soviet era in the 1980s and the U.S.-led NATO in the 21st century.
Maulana Arshad Madani said that India’s connection with Afghanistan is not limited to religious or academic relations but extends to the shared history of their freedom struggles. He recalled that during India’s independence movement, under the guidance of Sheikh-ul-Hind Maulana Mahmood Hasan, an exile government was formed in Afghanistan with Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh as President, Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali as Prime Minister, and Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi as Foreign Minister.
Madani noted that Afghanistan’s people, too, followed the path of India’s freedom fighters to liberate their country from foreign domination. He expressed hope that Muttaqi’s visit would further strengthen ties between the two nations, especially in education and trade.
Maulana Muttaqi praised the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him at Darul Uloom Deoband, saying the institution continues to hold a special spiritual and emotional place in the hearts of the Afghan people.