Is Afghanistan Strengthening Financial Ties with India Amid Refugee Crisis?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Afghanistan is experiencing a sharp increase in returning migrants, putting more pressure on the Taliban regime. Amidst this, discussions with India aim at boosting economic ties and addressing refugee challenges. Can these efforts pave the way for better prospects for the Afghan people?
Key Takeaways
- Over 1.5 million Afghans have returned home in 10 months.
- Taliban authorities are seeking international support.
- Discussions with India focus on economic cooperation.
- UNDP reports 4.5 million Afghans abroad may return.
- Serious challenges remain for reintegration due to poverty and natural disasters.
New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) A significant rise in the number of Afghan migrants returning home has emerged recently, intensifying pressure on the Taliban authorities, who are in urgent need of global assistance due to ongoing international sanctions.
Recent reports from Kabul indicate that over 1.5 million individuals have repatriated in the past ten months, even as local media express optimism regarding enhanced economic collaboration. This sentiment was echoed by Afghanistan's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, who is currently visiting New Delhi.
As stated by Afghanistan's Tolo News, India's Foreign Minister Jaishankar has reiterated India's commitment to the advancement and well-being of the Afghan populace.
Furthermore, the spokesperson for Afghanistan's Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, mentioned that discussions included the appointment of commercial attaches, visa facilitation for Afghan private sector members, the reactivation of a previously established joint working group, the formation of a joint chamber of commerce, and addressing issues related to Chabahar Port.
Efforts to enhance economic coordination and to introduce trade attaches aimed at boosting bilateral trade were also part of the discussions.
In an additional report, Tolo News cited a spokesperson from Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, revealing that more than 284,000 Afghan migrants have been deported from Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey within just a month.
This figure includes 83,135 single men who returned without their families, alongside 2,076 prisoners released from Pakistani jails.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) recently announced that around 4.5 million Afghans living abroad are planning to return, but the dire conditions within Afghanistan, including a lack of access to international aid, complicate the reintegration process for these returnees. This influx, primarily from neighboring Iran and Pakistan, further burdens a nation already struggling with the repercussions of decades of turmoil and recent natural disasters.
A report by Pajhwok Afghan News has indicated that 10,405 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran in one day.
The report referenced a social media post by the government's deputy spokesperson, Hamdullah Fitrat, which detailed the return of 1,763 families (totaling 10,405 individuals) to Afghanistan on November 19.
On the previous day, 7,326 Afghan refugees also returned after being forcibly repatriated from Iran and Pakistan, with nearly 12,666 reported the Sunday prior.
Iskandar Momeni, Iran's Minister of Interior, informed the media that the country is currently hosting about six million foreign nationals, while also noting that over 1.5 million migrants have returned to Afghanistan in the last ten months, according to Tolo News.
Meanwhile, a UNHCR representative in Afghanistan has voiced concerns regarding the rising numbers of Afghan migrants returning from Iran, correlating with a decrease in international aid.
The situation has been exacerbated as EU member states explore methods to repatriate Afghan refugees residing in their countries.
Given the current conditions in Afghanistan, the country lacks the capacity to accommodate these returnees into local communities.
The Taliban continues to face global criticism for its stance on fundamental human rights, particularly those affecting women and girls.
Moreover, Afghanistan is grappling with extreme poverty, severe climatic conditions, natural disasters such as drought and recent earthquakes, alongside persistent armed conflicts and explosions.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the delicate balance Afghanistan is attempting to maintain. The return of migrants is a pressing issue, and while efforts to strengthen ties with India are commendable, the underlying humanitarian crisis must not be overlooked. The world is watching closely as Afghanistan navigates these challenges.
NationPress
21/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation regarding Afghan refugees?
Afghanistan is experiencing a significant return of migrants, with over 1.5 million individuals repatriated in the last ten months, leading to critical humanitarian challenges.
What is the Taliban's strategy to handle the influx of returnees?
The Taliban is seeking international support while enhancing economic cooperation with countries like India to manage the challenges posed by returning migrants.
How many Afghan migrants have been deported recently?
In recent reports, it has been noted that over 284,000 Afghan migrants have been deported from Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey within a month.
What are the main concerns regarding the return of Afghan migrants?
Concerns include the lack of resources to reintegrate returnees, ongoing international sanctions, and the Taliban's human rights record.
What role does India play in Afghanistan's current situation?
India is actively engaging with Afghanistan to foster economic ties and support the progress of the Afghan people amid their struggles.
