External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, in New Delhi to discuss social development and heritage preservation through the AKDN.

  • High-level meeting between S. Jaishankar and Prince Rahim Aga Khan V on social development.
  • The visit includes meetings with President Murmu, PM Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah.
  • Focus on expanding the impact of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in India.

In a significant diplomatic engagement, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili community, in New Delhi on September 10, 2026. The discussions centered around the "impactful work" carried out by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in the realms of social development and the preservation of global heritage.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V commenced his visit to India on September 9, following a formal invitation from Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan. His itinerary in the country extends until September 15. Following the meeting, Minister Jaishankar expressed his pleasure on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the conversation explored further opportunities for collaboration both within India and on the global stage.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this visit underscores India's commitment to engaging with global philanthropic and spiritual leadership to bolster its developmental goals. By aligning with the AKDN, India can leverage a sophisticated global model of rural development and cultural conservation, further enhancing its international prestige and internal growth.

"The intersection of spiritual leadership and socio-economic development provided by the AKDN offers a unique blueprint for sustainable community growth in India."

The visit has been marked by several high-profile encounters. Prince Rahim Aga Khan V called upon President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and held strategic discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting with PM Modi specifically highlighted the partnership between India and the AKDN in critical sectors such as agriculture and rural development.

This visit is particularly historic as it marks the first time Prince Rahim Aga Khan V has visited India since his accession as the 50th Imam of the Ismaili community. The AKDN, a global non-profit organization, continues to operate across diverse sectors including education, culture, food security, and finance, making it a pivotal partner for developing nations.

Did You Know?: The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is one of the most comprehensive development networks in the world, operating in over 30 countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Who is Prince Rahim Aga Khan V?
He is the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims and the head of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Question 2: What are the primary focus areas of AKDN?
AKDN focuses on education, culture, agriculture, food security, economic development, and finance.