New Delhi: His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan has arrived in India on Wednesday, marking his first visit since assuming the leadership responsibilities as the 50th hereditary Imam of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
According to The Imaili, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan was received by Dr M. Suresh Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs; and Amit Kumar, India’s Chief of Protocol; along with a delegation of Jamati and AKDN leaders.
The His Highness received a warm welcome with a traditional and celebratory folk dance, the Giddha.
The occasion marks his first visit as our 50th Imam to a country which was once home to his ancestors Mawlana Hasan Ali Shah, Mawlana Aga Ali Shah, and Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah.
During the six days visit (September 9-15), the Aga Khan-V will meet with senior representatives of the Indian government, and will spend time with his murids in Gujarat, Mumbai and Hyderabad.
High Level Meetings
Prince Rahim Aga Khan met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Radhakirishnan, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishanka, and Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah, soon after his arrival on Wednesday.
The leaders discussed the Aga Khan Development Network’s contributions to water and sanitation, women-led Self-Help Groups, education, and community development, along with its impactful initiatives in East Africa and Afghanistan.
They also explored opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between India and the Aga Khan Development Network, particularly in areas such as sports and education.
The meeting also highlighted the shared importance of eradicating radicalisation and reaffirmed that dialogue remains the path toward peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
Preparations and Celebration
Ever since the announcement a few weeks ago, the Ismaili Jamat has united in festive celebrations across India. Ismaili Jamats across the county have been preparing by planning, building, and celebrating in anticipation of welcoming their Imam. Thousands of volunteers have also come together to support registrations, plan transport, and manage logistics at each of the venues.
Global Tour
The India visit is part of a broader tour to meet Ismaili Jamat across the globe, and adds to a growing list of international engagements the Imam has undertaken since assuming the Imamat in February 2025. He has so far visited Pakistan’s Northern Areas, France, Kenya, Uganda, the United States, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Prince Rahim Aga Khan is also set to bless Karachi Jamat with didar in November this year.
Also see:
Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s historic visit to Gilgit Baltistan
Aga Khan Concludes Germany Visit with High-Level Meetings, Multiple Agreements Signed
Aga Khan Begins First Official Visit to Calgary, Reinforcing Canada-Ismaili Imamat Ties
