Afghanistan Strengthens Trade Ties with India: A Strategic Pivot Away from Pakistan Dependency

Afghanistan's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, landed in New Delhi on November 19 to begin a significant five-day official visit, representing one of the most substantial diplomatic and economic engagements between India and the Taliban administration since they took power in 2021.

The visit, featuring numerous high-level meetings and strategic trade discussions, highlights Kabul's determined efforts to diversify its economic partnerships amid growing tensions with Pakistan and frequent border closures that have severely disrupted Afghan exports.

Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary (PAI Division) from India's Ministry of External Affairs, welcomed Azizi upon arrival, signaling New Delhi's increasing willingness to re-establish ministerial-level engagement with Kabul.

The Afghan minister's first major engagement was attending the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025, where he led a substantial Afghan delegation focused on strengthening commercial relationships. During the fair, ITPO Managing Director Neeraj Kharwal provided comprehensive information about investment opportunities, facilities for international exhibitors, and possibilities for expanded Afghan participation in future Indian trade exhibitions.

The Afghan delegation explored numerous exhibition stalls, particularly those featuring Afghan dry fruits, carpets, gemstones, and handicrafts—sectors that Afghanistan hopes to expand in the Indian market. Minister Azizi held extensive discussions with Afghan traders based in India, addressing market access challenges, export barriers, and potential new business connections. His presence at IITF represents the first ministerial visit from Afghanistan to ITPO since 2021, indicating a diplomatic warming as Afghanistan actively seeks alternative trade routes beyond Pakistan.

Sources informed NDTV that Azizi's visit follows Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's recent trip to India, after which Muttaqi expressed appreciation for New Delhi's hospitality during a subsequent cabinet meeting and characterized the India-Afghanistan relationship as developing along a "very positive trajectory." The current visit is anticipated to establish foundations for the next critical phase of bilateral trade cooperation.

A senior Indian official revealed that both countries are progressing toward comprehensive trade through the India-Afghanistan air corridor, with two daily flights operating to Kabul and an Indian cargo company prepared to increase capacity. While Afghanistan had hoped to revitalize shipping connections through Iran's Chabahar Port, US sanctions have made this route "impossible at present," prompting both nations to strengthen their focus on air connectivity.

India continues to be one of Afghanistan's most crucial trade partners, exporting pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery, tea, sugar, and rice, while importing Afghan agricultural products and minerals. Kabul is also pursuing Indian investment in mining and hydroelectric projects, along with alternative connectivity frameworks that completely bypass Pakistan.

With India having elevated its Kabul mission to full embassy status in October 2025, Azizi's visit marks a decisive step forward in rebuilding economic relations between the two nations—sending a significant geopolitical message throughout the region.