Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Meets Indian Officials During Visit

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed on Thursday his meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslim Community. The discussions focused on the contributions of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in social development and heritage conservation. This engagement aims to explore further collaborative opportunities both in India and abroad.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V commenced his visit to India on September 9, following an invitation from Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan. His stay will extend until September 15. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that this visit provides an essential opportunity to assess ongoing cooperation with AKDN, particularly in areas of social development and heritage preservation.

The Aga Khan also engaged with President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Later in the day, he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Prime Minister Modi discussed collaboration with the AKDN in sectors, notably agriculture and rural development.

The Aga Khan Development Network is a global non-profit organisation involved in diverse fields such as education, culture, and community development. The prince's visit, marking the first since his accession as Imam, underscores the continued partnership between AKDN and Indian institutions.

Jaishankar shared insights on social media, stating, “Pleased to meet His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V. Discussed the impactful work in social development & heritage preservation by the Aga Khan Development Network @akdn, and further opportunities in India and abroad.”

This visit signals a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between India and the Ismaili community, highlighting the initiatives that aim to benefit social and economic landscapes in the regions they operate. While in India, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is also scheduled to visit cities including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, where AKDN is actively involved in various projects aimed at community development and support.