PM Modi Meets Prince Rahim Aga Khan V To Discuss India-AKDN Partnership
Talks focused on agriculture, rural development and broader cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chair of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting focused on opportunities to further strengthen India’s cooperation with the network across several key sectors. Modi also recalled the legacy of Prince Rahim’s late father, Aga Khan IV, and his contributions to development initiatives.
The discussions covered potential areas for deeper collaboration between India and the Aga Khan Development Network, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, rural development, youth affairs and women’s empowerment. Following the meeting, Modi posted on X that the two sides had explored ways to further strengthen their partnership in these fields. The engagement comes as the network continues its work in social development and community initiatives in India.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met Prince Rahim, with discussions focusing on the Aga Khan Development Network’s work in social development and heritage preservation. Jaishankar also highlighted opportunities for further cooperation in India and abroad. The meetings underline the focus on expanding collaboration in development and heritage-related areas.
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Prince Rahim arrived in India on Wednesday for a seven-day visit at the invitation of Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan. The Ministry of External Affairs said his first visit to India since becoming the 50th Imam of the Ismaili community would provide an opportunity to review ongoing cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network and explore new partnerships in development and community initiatives.
During his visit, which continues until September 15, Prince Rahim is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu and meet Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. He will also travel to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Hyderabad, where the Aga Khan Development Network is involved in various development and community initiatives.
Prince Rahim became the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims in February 2025 following the death of his father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV. His appointment followed the historical succession tradition of the Shia Imami Ismaili community. The current visit provides an opportunity to review the network’s existing engagement in India and identify areas for expanded cooperation.
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