Afghanistan’s Taliban trade minister, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for his first official visit aimed at boosting trade and investment with India. The trip comes as both nations explore ways to strengthen economic ties amid worsening relations with neighboring Pakistan.
India recently upgraded its engagement with Afghanistan by reopening its embassy in Kabul, which had been closed after the Taliban took control in 2021. The country has also been increasing its aid and development support to Afghanistan, competing with China for regional influence.
During his visit, Minister Azizi is scheduled to meet with Indian officials, including the commerce and foreign ministers, as well as business leaders. The discussions are expected to focus on expanding trade, promoting joint investment projects, and enhancing Afghanistan’s role in regional transit networks.
Landlocked Afghanistan faces urgent demand for grains, medicines, and industrial products after its border with Pakistan was closed following deadly clashes last month. India’s access to the Iranian port of Chabahar, coupled with a recent six-month US sanctions waiver, provides Kabul with an alternative to relying on Pakistan’s Karachi port.
In recent months, Afghanistan’s trade through Iran reached $1.6 billion, surpassing the $1.1 billion exchanged with Pakistan. While India does not formally recognize the current Taliban government, analysts note that New Delhi and Kabul are recalibrating relations to counter Islamabad’s influence.
#AfghanistanIndiaRelations #TalibanTrade #IndiaAfghanistan #RegionalTrade #ChabaharPort #InvestmentOpportunities #SouthAsiaPolitics
