Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Begins Week-Long Visit to India
The 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims arrives in India to engage with key leaders and communities.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is in India from September 9 to 15.
He will meet President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi.
This is his first visit to India since becoming Imam in February 2025.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, has commenced a week-long visit to India starting September 9. The visit, which extends until September 15, was arranged following an invitation from Vice President C P Radhakrishnan. During his stay, Prince Rahim is scheduled to meet with prominent leaders including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
The itinerary for the visit includes not only meetings in the capital but also extends to major cities such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. These locations are significant as they host various community and development programs managed by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that this trip marks Prince Rahim's first official visit to India since he assumed the role of Imam in February 2025, following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV.
The Ismaili faith, which has a history spanning over 1,400 years, emphasizes loyalty to a living, hereditary spiritual leader. The community boasts a presence in over 35 countries worldwide. In addition to his spiritual responsibilities, Prince Rahim is involved in various AKDN-affiliated institutions and plays a crucial role in overseeing social initiatives within the Ismaili community, including the Institute of Ismaili Studies.
This visit is expected to strengthen the ties between the Ismaili community and the Indian government, showcasing the contributions of the AKDN in areas such as education, health, and community development. The meetings with high-ranking officials will likely focus on collaborative efforts to enhance these initiatives further.
Looking ahead, the engagements during this visit may pave the way for future partnerships between the AKDN and Indian authorities, with discussions anticipated on expanding the scope of community programs. The outcomes of these meetings could have lasting implications for the Ismaili community in India and its ongoing development projects.
