Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, PM discuss development partnership

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Thursday on India’s partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in agriculture and rural development, among other areas.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is visiting India from September 9 to 15 following an invitation from Vice President CP Radhakrishnan.

“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,” Modi said in a post on social media.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V will be visiting Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Hyderabad, where the AKDN is involved in various development and community initiatives. This is his first visit to India since his accession as the 50th Imam of the Ismaili community.

Vice President Radhakrishnan and Prince Rahim Aga Khan discussed further strengthening cooperation between India and the network in sectors such as sports and education.

In a social media post, the Vice President Secretariat said both leaders reaffirmed the need to eradicate radicalisation and underscored that dialogue remains the path to peace, stability and shared prosperity. The 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Community met Radhakrishnan at the Vice President’s Enclave here.

The two leaders discussed the Aga Khan Development Network’s contributions to water and sanitation, women-led self-help groups, education and community development, and appreciated its impactful initiatives in East Africa and Afghanistan.

The Aga Khan Development Network works to improve the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa.