How are EAM Jaishankar and Afghanistan's Minister Strengthening Trade and Connectivity?
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Synopsis
In a significant meeting in New Delhi, EAM Jaishankar and Afghan Minister Nooruddin Azizi explored pathways to enhance economic cooperation and connectivity, with an emphasis on trade relations amid rising regional tensions. This collaboration marks a vital step towards fortifying bilateral relations and utilizing the Chabahar Port effectively for mutual benefits.
Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar and Afghan Minister Azizi discussed enhancing trade and connectivity.
- Focus on utilizing Chabahar Port to boost economic cooperation.
- Afghanistan is diversifying trade relations amid tensions with Pakistan.
- Key Indian exports include pharmaceuticals and textiles.
- Investment opportunities are sought in mining and hydroelectric projects.
In New Delhi on November 20, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar engaged in discussions with Afghanistan's Industry and Commerce Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi about enhancing trade, connectivity, and interpersonal relations between their countries.
During this meeting, EAM Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to the progress and welfare of the Afghan populace.
"It was a pleasure to meet with Afghanistan's Industry and Commerce Minister, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, in New Delhi this evening. We explored avenues to bolster our trade, connectivity, and people-to-people relations. I reaffirmed India’s dedication to the development and welfare of the Afghan people," EAM Jaishankar shared on X.
Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for his official visit to India. The purpose of the Afghan delegation's visit is to activate and fully utilize the capabilities of the India-developed Chabahar Port in Iran and to attract further investments.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) extended a warm welcome to Azizi, noting, "A heartfelt welcome to Afghan Industry and Commerce Minister, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, during his official visit to India. The primary focus of this visit is to enhance bilateral trade and investment relations."
During their visit, the Afghan delegation attended the India International Trade Fair (IITF) on Wednesday evening to strengthen bilateral trade and investment.
Azizi explored various stalls at the fair, including those of Afghan traders showcasing local products. He later engaged with Afghan traders in India to discuss prospects for market access and expansion.
This is the first visit of an Afghan Minister to the ITPO since 2021, coinciding with rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where border closures have hampered exports. This situation has driven Afghanistan to seek diversification of trade with India.
India's key exports to Afghanistan encompass pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery, and food items such as sugar, tea, and rice, while imports primarily consist of agricultural goods and minerals.
Afghanistan is also on the lookout for Indian investments in sectors like mining and hydroelectric projects, while exploring routes to enhance connectivity without relying on Pakistan.
The Afghan ministry stated, "The focus of these discussions is to expand economic cooperation, facilitate trade relations, create joint investment opportunities, and bolster Afghanistan's role in regional transit routes."
This visit is viewed as a crucial step towards fortifying economic and commercial ties between the two nations, with expectations of significant impacts on communications, trade enhancement, and development of transit routes. The Afghan side stressed the importance of effectively utilizing the Chabahar Port in Iran.
Given the rising border tensions with Pakistan, Afghanistan is eager to facilitate the transit of goods through the India-developed Chabahar Port, especially since these tensions have led to substantial losses for traders on both sides of the Durand Line.
Point of View
I observe that the strengthening of ties between India and Afghanistan is pivotal, especially in the face of regional challenges. This meeting not only reinforces bilateral relations but also highlights India's commitment to support Afghanistan's development and integration into regional trade networks.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the meeting between EAM Jaishankar and Afghan Minister Azizi?
The meeting aimed to discuss strengthening trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties between India and Afghanistan.
What are the key areas of focus for Afghanistan regarding Indian investments?
Afghanistan is seeking investments in mining, hydroelectric projects, and exploring trade routes that bypass Pakistan.
Why is the Chabahar Port significant for Afghanistan?
The Chabahar Port, developed by India, is crucial for Afghanistan to facilitate transit of goods and enhance trade, especially amidst rising tensions with Pakistan.
What are the major exports from India to Afghanistan?
Key Indian exports to Afghanistan include pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery, and food items such as sugar, tea, and rice.
How does this meeting impact Afghanistan's trade strategy?
The meeting is expected to enhance Afghanistan's trade strategy by diversifying its trade relationships, particularly with India.
