Afghanistan's Commerce Minister Seeks Enhanced Trade and Diplomatic Ties with India Amid Regional Tensions

Afghanistan's Minister for Commerce and Industry Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi has confirmed plans to send a commercial attaché to New Delhi within a month.

In a significant diplomatic outreach, Afghanistan's Commerce Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi has called for substantial expansion in trade, investment, and diplomatic relations with India, even as Afghanistan faces border tensions and trade disruptions with Pakistan.

Speaking exclusively to NDTV's Aditya Raj Kaul during his first visit to India, Azizi emphasized that Afghanistan is "open for business" with India and ready to provide comprehensive security guarantees for Indian diplomats stationed in Kabul.

This visit follows Afghan Foreign Minister Aamir Khan Muttaqi's recent trip to Delhi – the first high-level Taliban delegation to visit India since 2021 – indicating Kabul's renewed efforts to strengthen ties with New Delhi. The diplomatic landscape remains complex, with recent Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes causing a trade standoff and leaving thousands of trucks stranded. Afghanistan has temporarily halted medicine imports from Pakistan for three months, a measure Azizi described as "temporary," noting that Kabul prioritizes partners offering quality products and favorable terms.

Despite regional challenges, Azizi expressed optimism about India-Afghanistan economic cooperation. He noted that current bilateral trade stands at only $1 billion, which he considers "far below potential." His India visit aimed at "finding new ways for trade" and ensuring renewed engagement that "will, God willing, provide solutions to all problems."

Azizi revealed plans to enhance air, sea, and land connectivity between the two nations. The Taliban administration intends to subsidize Ariana Afghan Airlines and support private carriers to strengthen the India-Afghanistan Air Corridor, making freight transport more affordable and reliable. "If an Indian company wants to invest in this air corridor, they have our permission," he stated, adding that the Economic Commission has recommended lowering tariffs to boost exports in both directions, including Afghan dry fruits and Indian medicines.

Beyond air routes, Kabul is exploring sea connections via Iran and land routes through Central Asia, seeking cost-effective alternatives to Pakistan-dependent transit. "Political problems are temporary and not forever," Azizi remarked, emphasizing that diversification is essential to reducing Afghanistan's economic vulnerability.

Regarding Afghanistan's valuable mineral deposits, the minister welcomed Indian participation provided companies adhere to Afghanistan's mining and rare-earth regulations. "We give equal access for trade to all," he assured, indicating that India remains a preferred partner due to its technological capabilities and competitive pricing.

On the diplomatic front, Azizi confirmed Afghanistan's plans to dispatch a commercial attaché to New Delhi within a month, while discussions about appointing new ambassadors in both capitals continue. He mentioned that Foreign Minister Muttaqi had informed the Afghan cabinet about the "warm reception" he received in India and the positive momentum in talks to increase diplomatic presence.

Azizi also stated that Kabul has already provided full security for Indian diplomats and the embassy in Afghanistan. "We don't invite anyone without assurances on security," he said, adding that the Taliban government is removing the large blast walls erected during the US presence. "Afghanistan today is peaceful," he asserted.

Addressing questions about recent terror incidents near Delhi's Red Fort and in Pahalgam, Azizi said he had limited information but reiterated Afghanistan's desire for "peaceful relations" with India. "We have seen hardships for 50 years. We don't want even a drop of blood to be spilt," he emphasized.

Azizi highlighted Kabul's support for women's entrepreneurship, including establishing new offices for the Chamber of Commerce for Women and facilitating $100 million in partnerships with NGOs and private companies. He invited Indian women-focused businesses to collaborate with Afghan women entrepreneurs.

Concluding the interview, Azizi extended formal invitations to External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to visit Afghanistan in June or July next year, after the winter season. He also encouraged Indian journalists to travel to Afghanistan and "tell the story of the Afghan people and the Afghan private sector."

This exclusive NDTV interview represents a significant attempt by the Taliban to position India as a key economic partner amid changing regional dynamics and strained relations with Pakistan.