Aga Khan meets PM, UPA Chairperson

New Delhi, May 12 (UNI) The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of 20 million Shia Ismaili Muslims around the world, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi here today and discussed with them the international situation.

The Aga Khan, who arrived here this morning on an eight-day visit to India, primarily to commemorate his 50th year as the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, also called on vice President Hamid Ansari this morning.

Earlier, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed called on him.

Tomorrow, he is scheduled to meet President Pratibha Patil and Leader of Opposition L K Advani.

He will also visit Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh and leave for Hyderabad on Wednesday.

The Aga Khan last visited India in September 2006 during which he laid the foundation stone of the Aga Khan Academy at Hyderabad.

The 71-year-old spiritual leader will go to Mumbai on Thursday, visit Ahmedabad and return to Mumbai.

From Mumbai the Aga Khan will leave for Dhaka on May 19.

The Aga Khan, who lives in Paris, has set up the 'Aga Khan Foundation' which is involved in many philanthropic activities.

It has established educational institutions including universities in countries like the UK, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Syria and Egypt.

The Forbes Magazine has listed the Aga Khan as the 10th richest royal in the world, having a wealth of one billion dollars.

The Aga Khan, whose original name is Prince Karim al-Husseini, was given the title by his grandfather when he was just 20 year-old and studying at Harvard.

His father, Prince Aly Khan, was not bestowed the title because he had married an American actress.

UNI RB RL KN2004