India To Restart Air Cargo Links with Afghanistan

India has moved to revive direct air cargo connectivity with Afghanistan, signalling a measured expansion of economic engagement despite the complex political landscape in Kabul. The decision was announced during the visit of Afghanistan’s Taliban Trade Minister Al-Haj Nooruddin Azizi to New Delhi, marking a renewed push to restore bilateral trade flows disrupted since 2021.

Activation of Key Air Freight Corridors

India has reactivated the Kabul–Delhi and Kabul–Amritsar air freight corridors. Officials confirmed that technical and logistical preparations are complete and cargo flights will resume shortly. These corridors are expected to accelerate the movement of Afghan agricultural produce to Indian markets and enable Indian exporters to dispatch essential goods more efficiently.

Focus of Afghanistan’s Trade Outreach

Azizi’s five-day visit places emphasis on expanding agricultural trade, improving market access, and reducing Afghanistan’s reliance on Pakistan. Kabul is seeking wider openings for fruits, nuts and herbal products while encouraging imports of Indian pharmaceuticals, machinery and textiles. The discussions also include improving multimodal transit options through Iran’s Chabahar port to diversify routes.

Financial and Logistical Challenges

Both sides are considering mechanisms to restore payment channels affected by Afghanistan’s exclusion from SWIFT. The revival of the earlier India–Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor is on the agenda to stabilise transactions and ensure predictable trade flows. Afghan officials stress that improved air connectivity is vital as land-based commerce faces frequent disruptions.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The Kabul–Delhi air freight corridor was originally launched in 2017 to boost bilateral trade.
• Afghanistan’s main exports to India include dry fruits, saffron and medicinal herbs.
• Chabahar port provides Afghanistan sea access independent of Pakistan.
• India maintained a diplomatic presence in Kabul through a technical mission after 2022.

Regional Tensions and Trade Pressures

The resumption comes amid heightened Pakistan–Afghanistan border tensions and repeated closures of key crossings. Recent clashes and border shutdowns have caused major losses for Afghan traders, especially in perishable goods. India’s reactivation of air cargo routes offers Kabul an alternative channel at a time when Islamabad’s restrictions are straining regional trade dynamics.