Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Begins Historic Visit to India
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V's Visit to India
File image of Prince Rahim Aga Khan V(Photo: @BharatKaDevansh/X)
New Delhi, September 9: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chair of the Aga Khan Development Network, is set to embark on a week-long visit to India starting Wednesday, following an invitation from Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan.
As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during his stay until September 15, Prince Rahim is scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Additionally, he will engage with Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
His itinerary includes visits to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, where the Aga Khan Development Network is actively involved in various community and development projects.
This marks Prince Rahim's inaugural visit to India since he became the 50th Imam of the Ismaili community, as noted by the MEA.
He assumed the role of Imam in February 2025, following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, in line with the historical traditions of the Shia Imami Ismaili community.
For over 1,400 years, the Ismailis have been guided by a living, hereditary Imam.
With a population of approximately 12 to 15 million, Ismailis reside in more than 35 countries worldwide.
Prince Rahim is also involved with various agencies within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and has been actively engaged with the Institute of Ismaili Studies and the community's social governance frameworks.
This visit occurs in the context of a long-standing partnership between the Aga Khan Foundation and India.
Last year, the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was mourned by Prime Minister Modi, who referred to him as a visionary dedicated to service and spirituality.
Aga Khan IV was a revered spiritual leader for millions of Ismaili Muslims and the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). He died in Lisbon on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by family.
During his 2015 visit to India, Aga Khan IV was honored with the Padma Vibhushan for his significant contributions to social development in the country.
Prime Minister Modi had commended the Aga Khan Foundation's efforts, particularly in rural development and sanitation, which he had witnessed firsthand during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.