Saharanpur, Oct. 12 -- Taliban foreign minister Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday was conferred with the Hadith Sanad (certificate of authority) by Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the most influential Islamic seminaries in South Asia, in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district. During his visit to the Darul Uloom Deoband, as part of his six-day visit to India, Muttaqi participated in a scholarly session where he studied a Hadith (saying of the Prophet) under the supervision of the rector, Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani. He later sought and received permission to teach Hadith for which the rector conferred upon him the Hadith Sanad, earning him the right to use the title 'Qasmi' -- denoting his scholarly association to the institution, seminary officials said. Muttaqi, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday, is the first senior Taliban functionary to officially visit the country, marking a significant step forward in India's efforts to enhance the working relationship with the regime in Kabul while stopping short of formal recognition of the Taliban administration. Speaking at the seminary, Muttaqi said, "I am thankful for such a grand welcome and the affection shown by the people here. I hope India-Afghanistan ties advance further. We will be sending new diplomats, and I hope you people will visit Kabul as well." Muttaqi is scheduled to visit Taj Mahal in Agra on Sunday....