Afghan Commerce Minister Leads Delegation to Boost India Trade

Afghanistan’s Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi is in India with a high-level delegation to enhance bilateral trade and investment ties. The visit comes amid escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, prompting Kabul to diversify its economic partnerships and strengthen engagement with New Delhi.

Delegation Aims to Expand Trade Opportunities

The visiting team comprises senior officials from key economic ministries and representatives of Afghan trading companies. Their objective is to explore new avenues of cooperation with Indian businesses across multiple sectors. Industry body PHDCCI, coordinating the visit, noted that priority areas include dry fruits, gems and jewellery, FMCG goods, logistics, textiles, education and healthcare.

Strengthening Diplomatic Engagement

India recently restored its technical mission in Kabul to full embassy status, signalling a renewed commitment to bilateral engagement. This visit is the second high-level interaction in two months, following the October trip by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. During that visit, India announced six new development projects and the donation of 20 ambulances as part of its ongoing support for Afghanistan.

Regional Tensions Drive Economic Realignment

Afghanistan’s border clashes with Pakistan have disrupted trade routes, impacting the country’s exports and slowing economic activity. With several land corridors blocked, Kabul is actively seeking reliable partners to stabilise its commercial networks. India’s role as a major regional market and development partner positions it as a crucial stakeholder in Afghanistan’s economic rebuilding.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi is leading the Afghan business delegation to India.
• Priority sectors include dry fruits, gems and jewellery, logistics and textiles.
• India has restored its Kabul embassy to full operational status.
• Border tensions with Pakistan have disrupted Afghanistan’s export routes.

Interactive Business Session in New Delhi

PHDCCI has organised an interactive forum in New Delhi where Afghan officials and Indian industry leaders will discuss trade facilitation, investment prospects and long-term cooperation. Officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs are also attending, underscoring the significance of the visit in shaping future economic engagement between the two countries.