India’s Top Officials Highlight Peace and Development in Talks with Aga Khan

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, visited Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday to meet President Droupadi Murmu. The conversation highlighted the Aga Khan Development Network’s contributions to health services, clean water, education, and women‑led self‑help initiatives.

President Murmu praised the network’s ability to work alongside the government, noting that such collaborations can raise living standards and foster social cohesion. She reiterated that dialogue is essential to countering radical ideologies and achieving lasting peace.

Later, Vice‑President C. P. Radhakrishnan hosted Prince Rahim at the Vice‑President’s residence. Their dialogue covered strengthening ties in sports, education, and community development, and recognized AKDN’s successful projects in East Africa and Afghanistan. Both leaders again emphasized the importance of conversation as the pathway to stability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met the Prince, focusing on expanding joint efforts in health care, agriculture, rural development, youth and women empowerment. Modi expressed gratitude for the late Aga Khan IV’s legacy and pledged to deepen the partnership between India and AKDN.

These meetings reflect a coordinated effort by India’s top officials to harness the expertise of non‑profit networks for national development and peacebuilding.