Deoband: The Ideological Root of the Taliban
Darul Uloom Deoband, established in 1866, is one of South Asia’s most influential Islamic seminaries. It serves as a historic and ideological hub for the Deobandi movement, whose interpretation of Islam has deeply influenced religious education across the region — including the ideological foundation of the Taliban.
During the visit, Muttaqi met with senior clerics, scholars, and administrators of the institution. While no formal statement was released by the seminary, sources said discussions revolved around “religious and educational ties” and “Afghan students’ welfare.”
“We expected him to stay for two days, but due to a packed schedule, the visit has been limited to one day,” said Mufti Rehan Usmani, head of Darul Uloom Deoband.
Tight Security in Saharanpur
The visit triggered a major security operation in Saharanpur district. Police and intelligence units were deployed throughout the area, and checkpoints were established near the seminary. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sagar Jain confirmed that comprehensive security arrangements were in place and that the visit concluded without incident.
The district administration coordinated closely with Darul Uloom authorities to ensure the programme’s smooth conduct. Security personnel maintained a strict perimeter around the seminary, and local residents were advised to avoid the route used by the visiting delegation.
Symbolic Visit, Strategic Timing
Observers view Muttaqi’s Deoband stop as symbolic outreach to reconnect with the intellectual roots of the Taliban movement. The Deobandi school’s influence extends from India to Pakistan and Afghanistan, where it helped shape much of the Taliban’s early ideology and recruitment networks.
Analysts note that the visit also signals an effort by the Taliban to reshape its international image and engage diplomatically with regional powers, including India — a country that has historically maintained a cautious stance toward the regime in Kabul.
Next Stop: Taj Mahal in Agra
On Sunday, Amir Khan Muttaqi is scheduled to travel to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. According to officials, he will depart from Delhi around 8 a.m. via the Yamuna Expressway and reach Shilpgram, near the eastern gate of the monument, by 11 a.m. He is expected to spend about 90 minutes at the site before returning to the capital in the afternoon.
Agra’s district authorities said that elaborate security measures have been deployed for the visit. “No lapses will be tolerated, and security will remain tight throughout his stay,” a senior official stated.
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
While New Delhi has not formally recognized the Taliban government, India has cautiously expanded engagement through humanitarian aid and backchannel diplomacy. Experts say that Muttaqi’s visit reflects India’s pragmatic approach — balancing security concerns with the need to maintain influence in Afghanistan’s evolving political landscape.
The visit also comes amid ongoing global scrutiny of the Taliban’s governance record and treatment of women and minorities. Indian officials have so far refrained from commenting publicly on Muttaqi’s movements, emphasizing that the trip was coordinated under standard diplomatic protocols.
As the world watches closely, Amir Khan Muttaqi’s brief stop at Deoband — the spiritual cradle of the Taliban’s ideology — may well shape the next phase of India’s cautious engagement with Afghanistan’s rulers.
