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Afghan Trade Minister Visits India Amid Border Strain
Afghanistan’s Industry and Commerce Minister, Nooruddin Azizi, has arrived in New Delhi for a five-day visit aimed at strengthening economic and trade cooperation. He is expected to meet Indian ministers, trade officials and industry leaders as both sides explore areas of commercial partnership. The visit comes at a sensitive time, with Afghanistan and Pakistan engaged in recurring border clashes and trade disruptions.
Focus on New Sea Connectivity Routes
Afghanistan is increasingly seeking alternatives to Pakistan for trade transit. Recent closures of key border points and security tensions have pushed Kabul to expand its use of Iran’s Chabahar Port. In the first half of 2025, Afghan trade through Chabahar reportedly exceeded US $1.6 billion, overtaking volumes handled via Pakistan. During his meetings in Delhi, Azizi is expected to discuss deeper Indian involvement in facilitating sea connectivity and exploring investments in infrastructure, mining and agricultural processing.
Strategic Significance for India and the Region
India reopened its Kabul embassy in 2025, signalling readiness to engage with the Taliban administration despite withholding formal recognition. For India, closer trade ties with Afghanistan offer a route to stabilise regional supply chains and counterbalance influence from Pakistan and China. Analysts say the visit may lead to memoranda on trade facilitation, connectivity and technology support, marking a pragmatic shift in India-Afghanistan economic diplomacy.
