India and Afghanistan on Thursday announced a slate of measures to revive and expand their economic engagement during the visit of Afghanistan’s Industry and Commerce Minister, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, to New Delhi.
A key decision was the revival of air cargo connectivity, with both sides agreeing to restart cargo flights on the Delhi–Kabul and Amritsar–Kabul routes. These routes earlier formed the core of the India–Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor, and their resumption is expected to restore a crucial channel for the movement of fruits, pharmaceuticals and other essential goods.
The two countries also agreed to station commercial attachés in each other’s embassies, re-establish a Joint Chamber of Commerce, and reactivate the Joint Working Group on Trade, Commerce and Investment — steps that restore the institutional framework that previously facilitated bilateral trade.
At an interactive session hosted by the PHD Chamber of Commerce, Minister Azizi urged Indian businesses to invest in Afghanistan, outlining incentives that include five-year tax holidays for new industries, preferential tariffs on machinery and raw materials, and special support for Afghan refugees returning to set up enterprises.
Azizi invited Indian companies to explore opportunities in mining, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, rice processing, textiles, energy, industrial parks and SMEs. He also appealed to two major Indian energy firms that halted operations in Afghanistan in recent years to return, emphasising that conditions were now favourable for long-term investment.
Regional connectivity featured prominently in the discussions. Afghanistan pressed for greater use of Iran’s Chabahar Port, the establishment of dry ports in Nimruz, and the launch of regular shipping lines from Chabahar. India said it would work on easing procedures for Afghan exporters at Nava Sheva Port, and both sides discussed simplifying and speeding up visa issuance for Afghan traders.
Azizi’s delegation received a warm reception from Indian officials and industry leaders. Joint Secretary M. Anand Prakash, who heads the Pakistan–Afghanistan–Iran Division in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said the talks build on longstanding ties.
“India and Afghanistan share deep historical and civilizational ties. Our special relationship with the Afghan people forms the foundation of this partnership,” Prakash said. He added that last month’s visit by the Afghan Foreign Minister had set the stage for renewed cooperation in humanitarian support, development and trade.
Prakash confirmed that the return of air cargo flights would provide an immediate boost to commercial activity. “Flights between Kabul, Delhi and Amritsar will restart soon, and this will boost connectivity and trade,” he said.
Azizi also thanked India for its support during Afghanistan’s financial crisis. “When our $9.8 billion was frozen, it was a very tough time. But India sent wheat directly to Afghanistan. This showed their friendship and respect,” he said.
Addressing the situation of Afghan minorities, the minister said the Sikh and Hindu communities had the government’s full support. “We invite them and the wider Indian community to visit and help rebuild Afghanistan alongside the Afghan private sector,” he said.
In his meeting with India’s Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jiten Prasada, Azizi discussed plans to expand logistics, improve port access and promote joint investments in pharmaceuticals, food processing, industrial parks, SME hubs and export centres. Indian officials welcomed the proposals and agreed to follow up to strengthen bilateral trade.
