Mumbai | His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims and Chair of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), met today with the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, during His Highness’s first official visit to India since becoming Imam in February 2025, following the passing of his father, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

The meeting follows His Highness’s engagements in New Delhi on 10 September, where he met with the Honourable Prime Minister and other senior national leaders to discuss the long-standing partnership between the Ismaili Imamat, AKDN and India, and opportunities for continued collaboration in areas of mutual interest. His Highness expressed his appreciation for the support extended to the work of AKDN in India and highlighted its alignment with the country’s development priorities.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest and explore opportunities for continued collaboration between the Ismaili Imamat, AKDN and the Government of Maharashtra, particularly in areas aligned with the State’s development priorities.

His Highness said: “Over the years, Maharashtra has been an important part of the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network’s engagement in India. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Honourable Chief Minister and for the continued cooperation between the Government of Maharashtra, the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network. We look forward to building on this partnership and exploring further opportunities to contribute to improving the quality of life and creating opportunities for people across the state.”

During his six-day visit to India, His Highness is visiting Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana, where he will hold talks with the Governor and Chief Minister in each state to discuss the work of AKDN and areas of future partnership. He will also meet members of the Ismaili community residing in India.

Institutions of the Ismaili Imamat have been present in India since the 19th century, when community institutions were first created. Those early roots grew into major national institutions that today serve over 9 million people through programmes and institutions encompassing rural and urban development, culture, economic inclusion, health, habitat, early childhood development, education and climate resilience.