Sarwar Kawoosa | Onlykashmir.in News Desk
New Delhi: The separate meetings of President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V have drawn attention to the significance of his first official visit to India since assuming the role of Aga Khan.
But who is Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, and why does his visit matter to India?
Who is Aga Khan V?
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the fifth Aga Khan. He succeeded his late father, Aga Khan IV, who passed away earlier this year after decades of leading the Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Born into one of the world’s most prominent Muslim spiritual and philanthropic families, Prince Rahim has been closely associated with AKDN for many years. Before becoming Aga Khan, he served in senior leadership roles within the network, particularly in areas relating to economic development, sustainability and improving the quality of life of communities.
As Chairman of AKDN, he is now responsible for an international network working across healthcare, education, economic development, culture, civil society, habitat and environmental sustainability.
Why is India important?
Aga Khan IV had a longstanding relationship with India, where AKDN has undertaken numerous development and heritage projects. These include initiatives in healthcare, education, water and sanitation, women’s empowerment, employment generation and sustainable urban development.
The network has also played a prominent role in the restoration and revitalisation of historic sites, making heritage conservation another important area of its engagement with India.
Why four top leaders met him?
The separate meetings reflected different dimensions of India’s relationship with the Aga Khan institution.
President Murmu highlighted AKDN’s contribution to improving people’s quality of life and recalled the legacy of Aga Khan IV.
Prime Minister Modi discussed development priorities including healthcare, water conservation, sanitation, youth skills and women’s empowerment, while also praising AKDN’s heritage-preservation efforts.
Home Minister Amit Shah discussed cooperation in social development, irrigation, cooperatives, natural farming, millets and solar energy.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar focused on social development, heritage preservation and opportunities for expanding cooperation in India and abroad.
The unusually broad engagement suggests that the visit was far more than a ceremonial meeting. It represents India’s interest in strengthening a longstanding partnership with the Aga Khan institution at a time when development, sustainability, heritage conservation and inclusive growth remain major national priorities.
