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The visit of Afghanistan’s Industry and Commerce Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi to Delhi is being considered to give a new impetus to the economic partnership between India and Afghanistan. Steps like opening of air freight corridor, appointment of joint working group and trade representative will further strengthen the relations between the two countries. The discussions held on long-term supply and investment cooperation can become a major basis for business expansion in the future.
New Delhi. Afghanistan’s Industry and Commerce Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi was on a visit to India from 19 to 25 November. During this, he met Foreign Minister Dr. S. Met Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. In these meetings, bilateral trade, connectivity and strengthening people-to-people relations were discussed. Both the countries made it clear that they are ready to take rapid steps together to give a new direction to the economic partnership.
Air freight corridor and JWG regain momentum
India and Afghanistan announced the launch of Kabul-Delhi and Kabul-Amritsar air freight corridors. Along with this, it was also agreed to reactivate the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade, Commerce and Investment. Its objective is to increase ease of trade between the two countries, ease market access and take economic cooperation to new heights. Governments believe that these steps will make business activities even easier.
Trade representatives will be posted in embassies
India announced that both countries will appoint trade representatives in their respective embassies. This will facilitate direct interaction between companies, investors and trade organizations. Besides, it has also been agreed to form a joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which will provide a formal platform to the businessmen. This step is considered important to reduce barriers to trade and promote investment.
Meetings with Indian trade bodies and discussion on long term supplies
Minister Azizi visited Afghan stalls at India International Trade Fair 2025 and met organizations like APEDA, AEPC, ASSOCHAM, PHARMEXCIL. In these discussions, emphasis was on long-term supply of agricultural products, medicines and essential commodities. Afghanistan expressed hope that India will meet its needs with stable supply. This visit proved to be an important step towards further strengthening the economic relations between the two countries.
