January 01, 2026 08:56 am (IST)
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Prince Karim Aga Khan meets Indian PM, Prez in Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 7 (IBNS): Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, Prince Karim Aga Khan, called on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on Tuesday.
He is currently on a visit to India, and will be awarded the Padma Vibhushan by President Pranab Mukherjee tomorrow.
The Prime Minister praised the work of the Aga Khan Foundation, especially in the areas of rural development and sanitation, which, he said, he had the opportunity to witness first-hand when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Modi called upon the Aga Khan Foundation to play a key role in the 'Swachh Bharat' and 'Ganga Rejuvenation' initiatives. He also sought the Foundation's participation in building toilets for girl children.
Prince Karim Aga Khan said he was honoured to be receiving the Padma Vibhushan. He said the Aga Khan Foundation was already undertaking the task of construction of one lakh toilets, beginning with the state of Gujarat. He said the Foundation was also involved in initiatives to promote health and hygiene, and to ensure potable water supply.
The Prime Minister and Prince Karim Aga Khan also discussed the current situation in West Asia.
The President congratulated Prince Aga Khan on the Padma Vibhushan Award being conferred on him and said this reflects the admiration and respect India has for him and for the valuable public service being done by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Mukherjee said India appreciates the valuable contribution of AKDN in restoration and heritage conservation.
"India has been inspired by the intelligent manner in which restoration and heritage conservation has been married with the goal of reviving traditional crafts, employment creation, education, improving health and urban renewal in the Humayun’s Tomb project. India intends to study the model carefully and see how it can be applied to other programmes," he said.
Responding to the President, Prince Karim Aga Khan said he was deeply honoured by the reorganization accorded to him through the Padma Vibhushan Award. He said the AKDN will continue to work in India and establish best practices in heritage conservation.
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