Afghan Commerce Minister’s India visit highlights trade, connectivity, and stronger bilateral cooperation

New Delhi

Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, visited India from November 19 to 25 with a trade delegation, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The visit focused on boosting trade, connectivity, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

During his stay, Azizi met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Both leaders discussed bilateral ties, connectivity projects, and people-to-people exchanges. Azizi also held delegation-level talks with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The discussions covered trade facilitation, market access, and capacity-building. A key outcome was the announcement of an Air Freight Corridor connecting Kabul with Delhi and Amritsar, aimed at improving trade flows.

Both Ministers welcomed the reactivation of the Joint Working Group on Trade, Commerce, and Investment. They agreed to explore collaboration in mining and other high-value sectors. India and Afghanistan will also appoint Commercial Representatives at their embassies and establish a Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry to institutionalize cooperation.

Azizi met Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada and visited the India International Trade Fair (IITF 2025), where Afghan traders showcased products. He interacted with exhibitors and toured cultural displays at the fair.

The Afghan delegation also held meetings with several Indian trade and export councils, including APEDA, TEXPROCIL, CCI, AEPC, MATEXIL, PHDCCI, ASSOCHAM, and PHARMEXCIL. Discussions focused on long-term supply of agricultural goods, medicines, and essential commodities to Afghanistan.

The visit reflects the commitment of both nations to deepen economic ties. India reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with Afghanistan to advance trade and investment partnerships that bring sustainable benefits to the people of both countries.