Afghanistan’s Taliban-appointed Minister of Industry and Commerce, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, arrived in New Delhi with a high-powered business delegation, marking one of the most significant economic engagements between India and the Taliban administration since 2021. The visit comes at a sensitive moment, coinciding with escalating border clashes and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have affected trade routes and regional logistics.

Despite the political complexities, both sides appear intent on expanding their economic cooperation. Azizi’s discussions in Delhi center on improving sea connectivity, strengthening bilateral trade, and facilitating new investment channels that can benefit both economies.

Strengthening Sea Connectivity: A Strategic Priority

A major focus of the Taliban minister’s visit is the enhancement of sea connectivity for Afghan goods via Indian ports, particularly leveraging access through Iran’s Chabahar Port. With Afghanistan being a landlocked nation, access to the sea is vital for its trade.

Historically, Afghan exporters have depended heavily on the Pakistan land route and Karachi seaport for international shipping. However, political volatility and frequent trade blockages have pushed Afghanistan to diversify its logistics network. India’s role in developing Chabahar Port has emerged as a strategic alternative, reducing Afghan reliance on Pakistan and offering a more stable trade corridor.

During Azizi’s meetings, Indian officials expressed willingness to expand operational capacity, shipping lines, and customs facilitation to strengthen this route further. Enhanced sea connectivity would allow Afghan traders to access Indian markets faster and export products globally through Indian maritime infrastructure.

India’s Interest in Afghan Agricultural Products and Minerals

India has shown clear interest in boosting imports of Afghan agricultural produce, including dry fruits, raisins, pomegranates, apricots, saffron, medicinal herbs, and spices—items known for their high demand in Indian markets.

Additionally, Afghanistan’s rich deposits of lithium, copper, rare earth minerals, iron ore, and precious stones make it a valuable trade partner. India, seeking to expand its mineral sourcing network amid global supply chain competition, is exploring ways to strengthen collaboration with Afghan mining and extraction sectors.

Azizi’s business delegation includes representatives from agriculture, mining, textiles, and logistics sectors, signaling a broad agenda for cooperation.

Regional Tensions Drive Need for Alternative Routes

The Taliban trade minister’s visit comes amid tense clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces, with border disputes affecting normal movement of goods. In recent weeks, trade disruptions, border closures, and heightened military presence have made the traditional Afghanistan–Pakistan land corridor unreliable.

These tensions have accelerated Afghanistan’s pursuit of new trade routes—and India’s interest in stepping in as a stable economic partner.

By improving sea connectivity and establishing smoother commercial channels, both nations can reduce the geopolitical risks associated with dependence on a single neighboring country.

India’s Balanced Approach to Engagement

Although India does not officially recognize the Taliban government, it has maintained a pragmatic approach by continuing humanitarian support and limited economic cooperation. India reopened its diplomatic presence in Kabul through a technical mission, focusing on development projects and assistance programs.

The visit by Azizi underscores India’s willingness to keep economic channels open, especially in areas that directly support Afghan livelihoods and regional stability. Trade officials in Delhi stressed that engagements remain focused on commerce, infrastructure, and humanitarian development, separate from political recognition.

Business Delegation Aims to Boost Investment

The large Afghan business delegation accompanying Minister Azizi reflects strong interest in attracting Indian investors to sectors such as:

• Agriculture & food processing

• Mining & mineral extraction

• Pharmaceuticals and healthcare supply chains

• Construction materials and textiles

• Logistics and transport systems

Afghan companies are particularly keen on forming joint ventures with Indian firms, leveraging India’s capacity in manufacturing and large-scale distribution.

Rebuilding Economic Ties Post-2021

Before 2021, India was one of Afghanistan’s largest development partners and a top export market for Afghan goods. Bilateral trade peaked at nearly USD 1.5 billion annually. After the Taliban takeover, trade temporarily declined but has slowly begun recovering through air cargo routes and Chabahar shipments.

Azizi’s visit is viewed as an effort to restore trade momentum and institutionalize business engagement.

Both sides discussed:

• Increasing cargo flights

• Expanding warehouse capacity

• Streamlining customs formalities

• Ensuring smoother document processing for traders

• Reviving trade fairs and B2B meetings

Humanitarian Dimension Still Central

India continues to play a crucial role in Afghan humanitarian support, supplying wheat, vaccines, medical aid, school materials, and essential commodities. Trade officials indicated that future cooperation will include addressing Afghanistan’s food security and essential supply gaps.

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