50th Ismaili Imam begins his maiden India visit with meetings planned with top Indian leaders and a review of India-AKDN cooperation
NEW DELHI ; GTNS | SEPTEMBER 10, 2026: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), has arrived in New Delhi on his first official visit to India since assuming the leadership of the community.
His visit, scheduled from September 9 to 15, comes at the invitation of Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and is expected to strengthen India’s longstanding engagement with the Aga Khan Development Network.
Meetings With India’s Top Leadership
During his stay, Prince Rahim is scheduled to meet Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar are also part of the planned programme.
The discussions are expected to cover areas of mutual interest, including development cooperation and the AKDN’s activities in India.
Focus on Development and Heritage
A major focus of the visit will be India-AKDN cooperation in social development and heritage conservation. The network has maintained a long association with India and has been involved in initiatives covering education, healthcare, economic development and conservation of important heritage sites.
Prince Rahim’s visit is therefore being viewed as an opportunity to review existing programmes and explore possibilities for deeper cooperation.
Visit to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Hyderabad
Beyond New Delhi, the Aga Khan is scheduled to travel to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Hyderabad. His programme will include engagements connected with the Ismaili community as well as the broader activities of the AKDN.
The visit marks an important new chapter in the relationship between India and the Aga Khan Development Network following Prince Rahim’s succession as the community’s 50th Imam.
A Wider Development Partnership
With India placing greater emphasis on partnerships in education, healthcare, heritage and sustainable development, the visit could provide fresh momentum to cooperation between Indian institutions and the AKDN.
Prince Rahim’s maiden official visit also comes as the organisation continues its longstanding development and heritage work in the country.
Global Times News | INDIA ; GTNS
SEPTEMBER 10, 2026