In New Delhi on Thursday, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan met Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chair of the Aga Khan Development Network, at the President’s House. The leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation between India and the Aga Khan Development Network in several sectors, including sports and education.
The meeting emphasized the need to eradicate radicalisation and underscored that dialogue remains the path to peace, stability and shared prosperity. The two leaders highlighted the network’s contributions to water and sanitation, women‑led self‑help groups, education and community development, and praised its impactful initiatives in East Africa and Afghanistan.
Earlier that day, Prince Rahim also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss expanding collaboration in healthcare, agriculture, rural development, youth and women empowerment. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the visiting Prince as well, focusing on the network’s work in social development and heritage preservation.
During his seven‑day official visit, the Prince will call on President Droupadi Murmu and Home Minister Amit Shah, and will travel to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Hyderabad where the Aga Khan Development Network runs various development and community projects. He was named the 50th hereditary Imam in February 2025 following the death of his father, Prince Karim Al‑Hussaini Aga Khan IV, in accordance with Shia Imami Ismaili tradition.
