Taliban acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said on Monday that trade between Afghanistan and India has reached nearly $1 billion, urging New Delhi to simplify visa procedures for Afghanistan traders to further boost economic ties.
Speaking at a joint meeting with representatives of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in New Delhi, Muttaqi said peace and stability in Afghanistan had created “favorable conditions” for investment and business cooperation.
He called for the removal of administrative barriers and greater facilitation for Afghan exporters, noting that easier access to Indian markets could significantly expand trade volumes.
Indian industry representatives welcomed the resumption of trade discussions but cited ongoing challenges, including delays in visa issuance and transportation bottlenecks, as key obstacles to expanding bilateral commerce. They urged both sides to review transit arrangements and customs procedures to avoid further project delays.
Afghanistan and India have maintained economic links for years, though trade declined after the 2021 political transition in Kabul. Recent efforts by both sides aim to revive stalled projects and restore regional supply chains.
Analysts said the meeting signaled cautious economic re-engagement between the two countries, driven by mutual interest in trade and connectivity rather than formal political recognition.
Observers added that improving business mobility and trade logistics could help stimulate Afghanistan’s struggling economy and strengthen India’s role as a key trading partner in the region.
