Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met Prince Rahim Aga Khan V and discussed ways to further strengthen India’s partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) across key areas including healthcare, agriculture, rural development, youth and women empowerment.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said he was pleased to meet Prince Rahim Aga Khan V and fondly recalled the contribution of his late father, Aga Khan IV, to development efforts.
“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,” the Prime Minister said.
The meeting came during Prince Rahim’s week-long visit to India, his first to the country since he became the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in February 2025 following the death of his father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met Prince Rahim and discussed the work undertaken by the Aga Khan Development Network in social development and heritage preservation.
“Pleased to meet His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V. Discussed the impactful work in social development & heritage preservation by the Aga Khan Development Network and further opportunities in India and abroad,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
Prince Rahim arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday following an invitation extended by Vice President CP Radhakrishnan. He was welcomed by an Indian delegation on his arrival.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit provides an opportunity to review ongoing cooperation between India and the Aga Khan Development Network in areas including social development and heritage preservation, while also exploring possibilities for expanding collaboration in community initiatives and wider development programmes.
As part of his itinerary until September 15, Prince Rahim is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold discussions with Home Minister Amit Shah. He will also travel to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Hyderabad to visit community and development projects associated with the Aga Khan Development Network.
Prince Rahim assumed the position of the 50th Imam of the Ismaili community in February 2025, succeeding his father, Aga Khan IV.
In addition to his spiritual responsibilities, Prince Rahim serves in leadership and oversight roles across entities associated with the Aga Khan Development Network and remains involved with institutions serving the Ismaili community.
