Jaishankar Holds Key Talks with Afghan Minister to Boost Trade Ties

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Minister Azizi in New Delhi to strengthen economic cooperation and regional connectivity.

Focus on Stronger Connectivity

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Afghanistan’s commerce minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi on Thursday. The leaders focused on improving trade, connectivity, and relationships between their people. Jaishankar shared his thoughts on X after the meeting. He stated, “Reiterated India’s support for the development and welfare of the people of Afghanistan.”

Boosting Investment Cooperation

Azizi is currently on a five-day trip to India to improve trade and investment cooperation. He is the second senior official from Kabul to visit India recently. His team also visited the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 on Wednesday. ITPO Managing Director Neeraj Kharwal briefed Azizi on the facilities available there. He also highlighted future opportunities for Afghanistan to join exhibitions.

Diversifying Trade Routes

This visit happens while tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are rising. Islamabad has closed borders, which hurt exports significantly. Consequently, Afghanistan is looking to diversify its India-Afghanistan trade partnerships. India sends medicines, textiles, machinery, sugar, tea, and rice to Afghanistan. Meanwhile, imports from Afghanistan include agricultural items and minerals.

Upgrading Diplomatic Missions

Relations have been evolving steadily in recent months. Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India in October. Following that visit, India upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy.