Afghanistan’s Trade and Commerce Minister, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, arrived in New Delhi for a five-day visit that carries both urgency and hope. For Kabul, this trip is a pursuit for stability and opportunity at a time when traditional trade routes through Pakistan have been abruptly shut.
In recent weeks, tensions at the Afghanistan–Pakistan border have flared again, forcing Pakistan to close important crossings. For Afghan traders, especially those dealing in fresh produce, the shutdown has meant rotting goods, lost income, and rising frustration. Against this backdrop, Azizi’s India visit aims to open new doors and reduce Afghanistan’s heavy dependence on a single neighbour.
Soon after landing, the minister visited the India International Trade Fair (IITF), a symbolic moment, as he became the first Afghan minister to attend the event since the Taliban took over in 2021. He interacted with Afghan entrepreneurs showcasing carpets, dry fruits, herbs, and handicrafts, listening to their challenges and assuring them of better access to Indian markets.
During his meetings in Delhi, Azizi is expected to push for greater Indian investment in Afghanistan’s mining sector, infrastructure projects, and power generation — areas with immense potential but limited support. Afghan officials say they also want stronger sea connectivity through India, which could give their landlocked country a reliable route for global trade.
Indian officials have indicated that the focus of the visit is practical: boosting trade, improving connectivity, and supporting people-to-people business ties. Despite the lack of formal recognition of the Taliban government, India has gradually expanded its engagement in Kabul, including upgrading its mission recently.
