Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT
This page highlights His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to India, from his arrival on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, to its conclusion on September 15. Pre-arrival details are available on a separate page HERE. Barakah is dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage of the India visit. Please visit this page regularly for updates. This page was last updated on September 14, 2026 (17:23 AM EDT, Toronto, Canada).
ANCHOR LINKS FOR EACH DAY OF THE AGA KHAN’S VISIT TO INDIA
September 14, 2026
- His Highness the Aga Khan meets with the Governor of Telangana
- His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Hyderabad
- His Highness the Aga Khan blesses the Ismail Jamat with Didar in Mumbai (2)
September 13, 2025
- His Highness the Aga Khan Hyderabad pre-arrival news
- His Highness the Aga Khan visits historic Darkahana Jamatkhana in Mumbai
- His Highness the Aga Khan blesses the Ismaili Jamat with Didar in Mumbai (1)
- His Highness the Aga Khan meets State Leaders of Maharashtra
September 12, 2026
- His Highness the Aga Khan attends Institutional reception
- His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Mumbai
- His Highness the Aga Khan blesses the Ismaili Jamat in Gujarat with third Didar as he departs for Mumbai
- His Highness the Aga Khan meets the Chief Minister of Gujarat
September 11, 2026
- His Highness the Aga Khan bestows two Didars upon the Jamat of Gujarat
- His Highness the Aga Khan meets the Governor of Gujarat
September 10, 2026
- His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Gujarat
- His Highness the Aga Khan meets President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, Vice President Radhakrishnan and Union Home Minister Amit Shah
September 9, 2026
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September 14, 2026 (3): His Highness the Aga Khan visits the Governor of Telangana
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Photograph: IPL / The Ismaili
MEDIA COVERAGE
- ANI News: Telangana Governor welcomes Prince Rahim Aga Khan V
- ap7am: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V: Telangana Governor for further strengthening cooperation with Aga Khan Network
- ProKerala: Telangana Governor Meets Prince Rahim Aga Khan V
Social Media Coverage
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Post(s) on Instagram
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September 14, 2026 (2): His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Hyderabad
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MEDIA COVERAGE
- The Siasta Daily: Aga Khan V in Hyderabad on 1st India visit since becoming Imam
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Hyderabad
Social Media Coverage
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September 14, 2026 (1): His Highness the Aga Khan grants second Didar in Mumbai, as he departs for Hyderabad
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After departing the Didar venue, Hazar Imam was bid farewell by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; Rajesh Gawande, Maharashtra’s Honourable Secretary for Protocol; and a delegation of Jamati leaders.
MEDIA COVERAGE
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam departs Mumbai
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam grants [2nd] Didar in Mumbai
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September 13, 2026 (3): News coverage ahead of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Hyderabad
MEDIA COVERAGE
- The Hindu: Ismaili community eagerly awaits Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s Hyderabad visit
- The Hindu: Police review traffic and security arrangements for visit of Prince Rahim Aga Khan-V
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Social Media Coverage
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September 13, 2026 (2): His Highness the Aga Khan blesses the Jamat with Didar in Mumbai and visits the Darkhana of India
Mawlana Hazar Imam granted a Didar in Mumbai on September 13 for the Jamat of Western India. The Mukhi of Darkhana submitted bay‘a on behalf of the Western India Jamat. Later, he was presented with an art installation titled Ark of Guidance.
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September 13, 2026 (2) His Highness the Aga Khan visits India’s historic Darkhana Jamatkhana in Mumbai
Mawlana Hazar Imam visited the Darkhana in Mumbai, one of the oldest Jamatkhana buildings still standing in the Ismaili world. Established in 1848, it became the first Jamatkhana ever designated a Darkhana. The 46th Imam, Mawlana Hasan Ali Shah Aga Khan II, granted it this status in 1870. The takht-nishini (ceremonial installation) of the 48th Imam, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, was held at the Darkhana in September 1885, during which he sat on the Takht shown below. Subsequently, many Jamatkhanas around the world featured a Takht at the back, and this tradition ended in the late 1960s or early 1970s.
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September 13, 2026 (1): His Highness the Aga Khan meets Chief Minister and Governor of Maharashtra in Mumbai
On September 13, 2026, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Shri Devendra Fadnavis, the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra; and Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, the Honourable Governor of Maharashtra. The meetings offered a chance to discuss areas of mutual interest and explore scope for continued collaboration between the Ismaili Imamat, the Aga Khan Development Network and the Government of Maharashtra, particularly in areas aligned with the state’s development priorities.
The Governor presented Mawlana Hazar Imam with a special photo album featuring photographs of his father, Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, visiting Maharashtra Lok Bhavan. Prince Rahim Aga Khan remarked, “This is very touching. Amazing.” (see X posts below).
“Over the years, Maharashtra has been an important part of the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network’s engagement in India,” Hazar Imam said. “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.”
MEDIA COVERAGE
- Akashvani News: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Meets Maharashtra Governor, Discusses Climate Action, Environmental Protection
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with state leaders in Maharashtra
- Hindustan Times: Fadnavis meets Prince Rahim Aga Khan; assures support for healthcare, conservation initiatives
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Social Media Coverage
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YouTube Video: Governor of Maharashtra welcomes His Highness the Aga Khan
Maharashtra Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma today [September 13, 2026] welcomed His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan, Mumbai. Thanking the Governor for receiving him, Prince Rahim Aga Khan said that the Aga Khan Development Network has been working on a Climate Action Plan for cities and implementing innovative cooling solutions in cities and towns in Maharashtra, which have brought substantial benefits to local communities.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan said that AKDN would be happy to work closely with universities in Maharashtra on environmental protection, climate action and related issues. He informed the Governor that AKDN is already undertaking initiatives in Pune, Mira-Bhayandar, Chandrapur and other places focusing on climate action, reduction of emissions and cooling solutions.
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YouTube Video: Ismaili Update 5
Watch highlights in Ismaili Update 5, where Mawlana Hazar Imam attends the Jamati Institutional Reception in Mumbai on September 12 and meets with the Honorable Chief Minister and Governor of Maharashtra on September 13.
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September 12, 2026 (4): His Highness the Aga Khan meets Jamati and Aga Khan Development Network leaders at Institutional reception in Mumbai
“I would start by expressing my deep gratitude for the work that you provide for the welfare of the community, for the sacrifices that you make in family time and the time you take off work. It’s one of the cornerstones of our community and it’s one of the blessings we have… Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” — His Highness the Aga Khan, Institutional reception, Mumbai, September 12, 2026.
Asif Porbanderwala, President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for India, welcomed Mawlana Hazar Imam at a reception in Mumbai attended by leaders of Ismaili institutions and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) across India.
“Over the years we have come to understand that an institution is much more than a structure, a programme, or a system,” he said. “Its true strength lies in its people, the values it upholds, the trust it earns, and most importantly its ability to improve the quality of life of the Jamat.”
“Our promise,” he added, “is to leave every institution stronger than [when] we found it, so that those who follow can go further than we did.”
Photograph: IPL / Shamsh Maredia.
Mawlana Hazar Imam spoke of his admiration for the leaders and volunteers who continue a time-honoured tradition in the Jamat’s history. “I would start by expressing my deep gratitude for the work that you provide for the welfare of the community, for the sacrifices that you make in family time and the time you take off work,” Hazar Imam said. “It’s one of the cornerstones of our community and it’s one of the blessings we have… Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
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September 12, 2026 (3): His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Mumbai
Mawlana Haza Imam was welcomed to Mumbai by Jayakumar Rawal, the Honourable Minister for Protocol of Maharashtra, and Rajesh Gawande, the Secretary for Protocol of Maharashtra, along with several local government officials and leaders of the Jamat.
Also welcoming Mawlana Hazar Imam shortly after his arrival was a delegation from His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
THE BOHRA JAMAT: A BRIEF HISTORICAL NOTE
The Mustea’li Ismailis, known today as Bohras, split from the Nizari Ismailis, who followed Imam Nizar rather than Musta’li, after the death of the Fatimid Imam-Caliph, the 18th Hereditary Ismaili Imam, Mustansir Billah. After the split, the Nizari Ismailis moved to Iran, while the Fatimid Mustea’li community continued its succession until their 21st Imam, al-Tayyib, went into concealment. Today, several distinct groups exist within the Bohra community. Their respective Da’i al-Mutlaq (the absolute summoner or missionary) will rule until, as they believe, the hidden Imam returns. The Dawoodi Bohras, led by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, are one such group. It has maintained a respectful relationship with the Ismaili Imamat, conveying its condolences in Lisbon to Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim when Mawlana Shah Karim passed away.
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September 12, 2026 (2): His Highness the Aga Khan blesses the Ismaili Jamat with the third Didar in Gujarat as he departs for Mumbai
After holding two Didars in Gujarat on September 11, Mawlana Hazar Imam graced his Jamat in the state with a third Didar on September 12. Following this, the President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for India presented the voluntary pledges of Tohfa (gifts) for seva (service) made by the Indian Jamat.
Mawlana Hazar imam then departed Ahmedabad for Mumbai, the vibrant capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and India’s largest city, as well as its financial capital. To bid him farewell were Jwalant Trivedi, Gujarat’s Chief Protocol Officer, and leaders of the Jamat.
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September 12, 2026 (1): His Highness the Aga Khan meets the Chief Minister of Gujarat
MEDIA COVERAGE
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam attends Institutional Reception in Mumbai
- The Times of India – Mumbai News: Celebrations and social service mark Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s maiden India visit
- The Hindustan Times: Aga Khan’s visit: A personal reflection on pluralism
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam meets Chief Minister of Gujarat
- ANI: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V meets Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar
- The New Mill: Prince Rahim Aga Khan meets Gujarat CM to discuss development
Social Media Coverage
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YouTube Video: Ismaili Update 4
The Ismaili Update 4 highlights Mawlana Hazar Imam’s meeting with the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and a third Didar in Gandhinagar before departing Gujarat for Mumbai.
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September 11, 2026 (2): His Highness the Aga Khan bestows two Didars upon the Jamat of Gujarat
The moment the Jamat in India, particularly in Gujarat, had been waiting for over the past 5 weeks finally arrived when Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, granted Didars in two separate sessions held in Gandhinagar. The morning session included the Jamats of Northern and Eastern Gujarat, and the afternoon session was for Southern Saurashtra, with Ahmedabad and Junagadh Headquarters Jamatkhana submitting bay’a on behalf of their communities. Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat, is approximately 23 kilometres north of Ahmedabad, the largest city in the state.
The Didar, in this instance, of being in the presence of the Imam of the Time, is a deeply spiritually uplifting and inspiring moment for every Ismaili, as the Imam blesses his Jamat with his physical presence and guides them in worldly and spiritual matters. This is the Imam’s first visit to India since he became the 50th Hereditary Imam on February 4, 2025.
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Both the Didar sessions were followed with presentations of beautiful art installations, as shown and described below.
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September 11, 2026 (1): His Highness the Aga Khan meets the Governor of Gujarat — with beautiful photos from the Governor’s Facebook page
IPL / Sarfaraj Khorasi.
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, met with the Honourable Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, on September 11, 2026. The Governor has served the State in this role since 2019, focusing on advances in environmental conservation, girls’ education, women’s empowerment, and natural farming in the state. Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Governor discussed the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) work to improve quality of life in Gujarat and beyond.
Jamati and Imamat institutions have made several investments here over the years, including forming farmers’ alliances, supporting efforts to fence agricultural land, and working with the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme to offer technical advice to farming communities. Their educational endeavours date back to 1905, when the first Aga Khan School was founded in Mundra.
Writing in the Guest Book, Mawlana Hazar Imam said: “Thank you for your warm welcome, for a fascinating discussion, and for the joint commitment to work together on several pressing issues of our time.”
MEDIA COVERAGE
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam grants didars in Gandhinagar
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam meets Governor of Gujarat
- The Hans India: Aga Khan V, Gujarat CM Patel discuss working together for people-centric development
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Social Media Coverage
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YouTube Video: Ismaili Update 3
The Ismaili Update 3 highlights Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in Gujarat on September 10, his first Didar in Gandhinagar, and his meeting with the Honourable Governor of Gujarat on September 11.
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September 10, 2026 (2): His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Gujarat
Following meetings in New Delhi with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and other National Leaders, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled to Gujarat, a region with deep historical and cultural ties to the Ismaili community.
A large portion of the global Ismaili population traces its roots back to villages and towns in Gujarat. Between the 11th and 16th centuries, the Ismaili Imamat sent Pirs (missionaries) to Gujarat and Sindh, who, through their composition of Ginans (hymns or religious poetry) in local dialects and languages, sought to enlighten the local populace about the Satpanth, or the True Path — Sirat al-Mustaqim in Arabic — and provided an ethical framework for good and noble living. Notable Pirs include Pir Satgur Nur, Pir Shams, Pir Sadardin, and Pir Hasan Kabirdeen. For centuries, the devotional recitation of the Ginans they composed has continued to inspire the Jamat worldwide, alongside other traditional forms of recitation such as Qasidas from the Middle East and Central Asia.
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MEDIA COVERAGE
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September 10, 2026 (1): His Highness the Aga Khan meets India’s President and the Vice President, the Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister and Union Minister in Delhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, met His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Community in New Delhi. During the meeting, Shri Modi fondly recalled the late Aga Khan IV, father of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, and his enduring contributions to development efforts. The Prime Minister discussed ways to further strengthen the partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network in key areas, including healthcare, agriculture, rural development, youth empowerment and women empowerment.
In a subsequent update, the Prime Minister’s website highlighted the following points:
- PM appreciates AKDN’s longstanding contributions to India’s development priorities;
- PM commends the Network’s work in heritage conservation and restoration; and
- His Highness the Aga Khan reaffirms AKDN’s commitment to India’s inclusive growth and social progress.
The Prime Minister appreciated AKDN’s longstanding contributions in India, particularly in sustainable urban development, water conservation, healthcare, rural sanitation, skill development for youth and women empowerment. Prime Minister also commended AKDN’s pioneering efforts in preserving India’s cultural heritage through the restoration and rejuvenation of historic sites across the country.
His Highness the Aga Khan reaffirmed AKDN’s commitment to India’s inclusive growth and social progress. He appreciated India’s transformative development initiatives and shared his perspectives on the role of innovation in advancing human welfare.
In a post on X, Shri Modi said;
“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.”
Mawlana Hazar Imam also met with India’s President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar, and Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah. The Vice President hosted a lunch in Hazar Imam’s honour, attended by senior government officials and leaders of the Ismaili community and AKDN.
The meetings offered a chance to discuss the long-standing partnership between the Ismaili Imamat and India, and their ongoing collaboration to create opportunities for economic empowerment both in India and in other parts of the world.
“I am very happy to be back in India, a country with which the Ismaili Imamat has a long history,” Hazar Imam said. “I am most grateful to the Prime Minister and other senior leaders of the country for our engaging and productive discussions. I look forward to our ongoing partnership to improve quality of life in India and around the world.”
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MEDIA COVERAGE
- Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat — Media Centre: His Highness the Aga Khan meets with India’s national leadership during his first official visit
- AKDN: His Highness the Aga Khan meets with India’s national leadership during his first official visit
- The Economic Times: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V meets PM Modi to discuss India-AKDN partnership in development
- Gujarat Abroad (in Gujarati): Prince Rahim Aga Khan India Visit; Meets PM Modi & President in Delhi
- The Tribune: VP Radhakrishnan, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V reaffirm need to eradicate radicalisation, dialogue path to peace during talks
- Devdiscourse: EAM Jaishankar Meets Prince Rahim Aga Khan: Strengthening Heritage and Social Ties
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam meets Indian Prime Minister and national leaders
- The Hindu: Jaishankar meets Prince Rahim Aga Khan V
- Khaama Press: PM Modi, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Discuss Expanding India-AKDN Development Partnership
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Social Media Coverage
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YouTube Video: Ismaili Update 2
The Ismaili Update 2 highlights the second day of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to India. He was received by the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Following this, he was welcomed by India’s President and Vice-President, who hosted a lunch in his honor, attended by some of the nation’s most senior leaders.
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September 9, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in India
Ismaili Muslims in India have eagerly anticipated the visit of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, for weeks. The special moment finally arrived when he landed in New Delhi on September 9, 2026. IANS, India’s largest independent news agency, reported his arrival on its X account. Asian News International (ANI) posted his arrival video. The Ismaili, the official website of the Ismaili community, has since covered his arrival. His 7-day visit from September 9 to 15 will include meetings with government leaders and the bestowing of Didars upon the Jamat in India.
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India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has released a detailed itinerary of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s meetings with government officials. This visit marks his first trip to India since he assumed the role of Imam on February 4, 2025, and it will be his 11th visit to the global Ismaili community. Mawlana Hazar Imam’s previous visits include France, Kenya, Uganda, the USA, Portugal, the UK, Eastern Canada, Northern Pakistan, Germany and Western Canada (click on the links for Barakah’s special coverage of the 10 trips). We celebrate with the Jamat in India during this historic visit and look forward to providing coverage over the next week.
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MEDIA COVERAGE
(Selected links from external media)
- The Print India: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V arrives in India for historic first visit: Meeting Modi, Shah, Jaishankar
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Delhi
- Akashvani News: 50th Imam of Ismaili community Prince Rahim Aga Khan V arrives in New Delhi on maiden visit to India
- The Times of India: Rahim Aga Khan V to visit Gujarat on Sep 11, 12
- FM Bharat: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V arrives in India for week-long visit
- ANI: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V arrives in New Delhi for week-long maiden visit
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Social Media Coverage
(Selected links – we will strive to avoid duplicate posts referencing the same news item)
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YouTube Video: Ismaili Update 1
The Ismaili Update 1 features Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in New Delhi on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, as he commences his 7-day visit to India.
Date posted: September 9, 2026.
Last updated: September 14, 2026.
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