Image Credit: X account @DrSJaishankar
Kabul Invites Indian Firms To Revive Idle Mines
Afghanistan has invited Indian companies to help revive several idle mining sites across the country. Afghan officials told Indian industry representatives that the sector holds major potential for growth and employment if foreign firms can restart long-stalled projects.
Opportunities And Concerns
According to Kabul, minerals such as iron ore, copper and rare earth elements remain untapped due to years of conflict and under-investment. Afghan authorities said they are prepared to offer investment-friendly terms to encourage Indian participation. However, Indian industry bodies have urged caution. They note that security risks, unclear mining regulations, limited infrastructure and high logistics costs remain major barriers.
Strategic Importance
For Afghanistan, reopening mines is part of a wider plan to boost revenue and reduce dependence on aid. For India, the proposal presents both opportunity and geopolitical sensitivity. Companies say they will examine the risks before committing to any projects, while both sides plan further talks on feasibility and safety.
