Did Afghan Hindus and Sikhs Honor Muttaqi in Delhi?

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Did Afghan Hindus and Sikhs Honor Muttaqi in Delhi?

Synopsis

A significant meeting took place in New Delhi, where Afghan Hindus and Sikhs honored Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi with traditional gifts. This encounter highlights ongoing business discussions and the enduring cultural ties between Afghanistan and India. Discover how these exchanges pave the way for stronger bilateral relations.

Key Takeaways

  • Afghan Hindus and Sikhs honored Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi with traditional gifts.
  • The meeting highlighted ongoing business challenges faced by Afghan entrepreneurs.
  • Muttaqi's visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Afghanistan and India.
  • Discussions included the status of the Wagah and Attari borders.
  • The significance of Darul Uloom Deoband for the Taliban was emphasized.

New Delhi, Oct 13 (NationPress) A group of Afghan Hindus and Sikhs had a significant meeting with Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi at the embassy in New Delhi this past Monday.

The delegation, backed by the Afghan Minority Council and the Indian World Forum, honored the Afghan Foreign Minister by presenting him with a traditional Afghan turban and shawl, showcasing their rich cultural heritage.

An Afghan businessman named Noorula expressed their purpose for the meeting, emphasizing discussions about business challenges faced by Afghan entrepreneurs.

In an interview with IANS, Noorula stated, "We are here to address our business issues, including road access and visa difficulties. We also aim to discuss the current status of the Wagah Border and Attari Border, which are currently closed."

He highlighted ongoing challenges stemming from Pakistan and expressed optimism for resolution.

"Businesspeople in the fruit and dry fruit sector have come to meet him. Visa-related challenges have been persistent. The Afghan community has encountered difficulties due to Pakistan for the last 45-50 years. We are hopeful for a resolution," he added.

During his seven-day visit to India, the Afghan Foreign Minister seeks to enhance the historical bilateral relationships between the two nations.

On the previous Sunday, Muttaqi engaged with Indian analysts and experts during an event hosted by the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) in New Delhi. The audience, including numerous esteemed female scholars, was captivated by his remarks on the deep-rooted connections between Afghanistan and India.

VIF, a think tank focused on foreign affairs and national security, shared on X, "The discussion highlighted profound economic, historical, cultural, and civilizational links. His reference to Rabindranath Tagore's 'Kabuliwala' resonated deeply with attendees."

On Saturday, Muttaqi made a noteworthy visit to the renowned Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh, engaging in dialogues with religious scholars at this important Islamic seminary. This visit marked the first time a senior Taliban leader visited Darul Uloom Deoband since the regime change in Afghanistan.

Darul Uloom Deoband holds considerable ideological significance for the Taliban, as many senior Taliban leaders have connections to Darul Uloom Haqqania in Pakistan, which was modeled after Deoband.

On Friday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met with his Afghan counterpart in New Delhi, discussing India's commitment to Afghanistan's development, bilateral trade, sovereignty, and people-to-people connections, among various other topics.

EAM Jaishankar remarked that Muttaqi's visit to India represents a crucial step in enhancing bilateral relations and announced the provision of five ambulances to Afghanistan.

Point of View

It is imperative to highlight the positive dialogue and cultural exchanges that occur between nations. This meeting signifies a collaborative spirit and a commitment to addressing shared challenges. The interactions between Afghan leaders and Indian representatives reveal a mutual understanding that could lead to constructive outcomes for both countries.
NationPress
13/10/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the meeting between Afghan Hindus and Sikhs and Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi?
The meeting aimed to discuss business challenges faced by Afghan entrepreneurs and to honor the Afghan Foreign Minister with traditional gifts.
What issues did Noorula mention during the meeting?
Noorula highlighted issues such as road access, visa difficulties, and the closure of the Wagah and Attari borders.
What is the significance of Darul Uloom Deoband for the Taliban?
Darul Uloom Deoband holds ideological significance for the Taliban, as many of its leaders studied at institutions modeled after it.
Nation Press