Full Breakdown
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s First Official Visit to India as the 50th Imam
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: High-Level Meetings During a Seven-Day Visit
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and chair of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), arrived in New Delhi on September 9, 2026. Over the week he met President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Discussions centered on expanding AKDN cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, rural development, youth and women empowerment, heritage preservation and climate-resilient initiatives. The visit will conclude on September 15, 2026, after site inspections in Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Hyderabad.
Background & Context
Prince Rahim succeeded his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, after the latter’s death on February 4, 2025. The AKDN, founded by Prince Karim, has operated in India since 1905, when the first Aga Khan school opened in Gujarat. Its Indian programmes span education, health, agriculture, food security, cultural heritage and climate resilience, serving more than nine million people.
Timeline
- September 9, 2026: Prince Rahim begins his India visit following an invitation from Vice-President Radhakrishnan.
- September 10, 2026: Meetings with President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar.
- September 10, 2026: Home Minister Amit Shah discusses strengthening cooperation with the AKDN.
- September 15, 2026 (scheduled): Visit concludes; Prince Rahim departs after trips to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Hyderabad.
Data & Statistics
- The global Ismaili community numbers an estimated 12-15 million people across more than 35 countries.
- In India, AKDN programmes reach over nine million beneficiaries through initiatives in rural and urban development, education, health, habitat, early-childhood development and climate resilience.
- The AKDN’s presence in India dates back to 1905, marking more than a century of continuous engagement.
Official Statements & Responses
President Murmu praised the AKDN’s partnership model, noting that non-profit organisations working with the government can meaningfully improve quality of life. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the late Aga Khan IV’s contributions and outlined plans to deepen collaboration across the highlighted sectors. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar highlighted the “impactful work” of the AKDN in social development and heritage preservation, and said the visit offers an opportunity to review and expand joint initiatives. Home Minister Shah discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in sustainable development, while Vice-President Radhakrishnan emphasized dialogue as a path to peace and shared prosperity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Happy to meet His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V. Fondly recalled his father, the late Aga Khan IV, and his enduring contributions to development efforts. Discussed ways to further strengthen our partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network in healthcare, agriculture, rural development, youth and women empowerment.” — PM Modi
- “He became the Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims after his father died last year. This is his first visit to India in that capacity. He is here to meet the community and oversee the large presence of ongoing projects across India,” — an Aga Khan official
What’s Next
The Prince will inspect AKDN-operated projects in Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Hyderabad before the visit ends on September 15, 2026. Indian officials and the AKDN will then assess outcomes and plan future collaborative programmes.
