Will the 'Kabuliwala' Seek to Return with His Dry Fruits via Chabahar Port?
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Synopsis
Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, emphasizes the significance of Chabahar Port for trade and cultural ties with India. His reference to Tagore's Kabuliwala highlights historical links and aspirations for peaceful engagement amidst ongoing challenges in dried fruit exports.
Key Takeaways
- Chabahar Port serves as an important trade route for Afghanistan.
- The port bypasses Pakistan, facilitating direct access to the Arabian Sea.
- Sanctions pose challenges for trade, but dialogue is crucial.
- Afghanistan's dried fruit exports are increasing significantly.
- Cultural references strengthen the bond between India and Afghanistan.
New Delhi, Oct 12 (NationPress) The Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, showcased an intriguing mix of strategic vision and cultural reminiscence during his recent public engagement.
In a press briefing in New Delhi on Friday, his focus on Chabahar port as a "promising trade route" indicates Afghanistan's intention to explore alternative pathways amid deteriorating relations with Pakistan.
This port, constructed by India in southeastern Iran, provides the landlocked nation with a direct route to the Arabian Sea and beyond, effectively circumventing Pakistan.
However, the reimposition of sanctions by the US has reinstated previous limitations, isolating Iran once again.
This unexpected shift has created urgent legal, banking, and insurance hurdles for Indian and international businesses operating at Chabahar.
"Chabahar is a promising trade route. Afghanistan and India should strive to eliminate the barriers following the sanctions imposed by the US. We can resolve this through negotiations involving Afghanistan, India, and the US," Muttaqi urged, highlighting its capability to facilitate the export of dried fruits, saffron, and handicrafts to India and beyond.
His remarks evoked a sense of nostalgia when he referenced Rabindranath Tagore's Kabuliwala during a discussion with Indian analysts and experts at an event organized by the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) on Saturday. This reference resonated deeply with the audience.
This exchange highlighted the profound economic, historical, cultural, and civilizational connections between India and Afghanistan. His mention of Tagore's 1892 narrative about an Afghan dry fruit vendor in Kolkata served as a reminder of the shared cultural heritage that has long influenced India-Afghanistan relations.
He expressed that the tale is "not mere fiction – it is our history".
Coincidentally, on the same day, Afghanistan's Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced a remarkable increase in the value of Afghanistan's dried fruit exports this year.
India, China, Pakistan, Russia, the UAE, Canada, Italy, and the UK are among the primary destinations for these exports.
According to Afghanistan's Tolo News, quoting Ministry Spokesperson Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, "In the first eight months of this year, the value of dried fruit exports reached $222 million, compared to $179 million during the same period last year (2024)."
Nevertheless, the Dried Fruit Exporters Union in Afghanistan informed Tolo News that traders are still encountering significant challenges in the export process.
The closure of the Pakistan border crossing, which is currently embroiled in conflict, alongside high air freight expenses and issues with monetary transfers, pose major challenges to dried fruit exports.
Kabul officials have warned that if these problems persist, Afghanistan risks losing crucial markets such as India.
By intertwining infrastructure, commerce, and literature, whether intentionally or not, he depicted Afghanistan as a nation with rich historical ties to India and a yearning for peaceful collaboration.
As Kabul navigates through uncertain times, dried fruits may seem like a minor concern – but they carry memory, identity, and hope.
In Tagore's narrative, little Mini asks, "Kabuliwala, O Kabuliwala, where have you gone?" Now, through Chabahar, he may seek to return.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize Afghanistan's efforts to strengthen its economic ties with India through Chabahar Port. Despite the challenges posed by sanctions and political tensions, the emphasis on cultural connections and trade opportunities reflects a commitment to constructive dialogue and collaboration between the two nations.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Chabahar Port for Afghanistan?
Chabahar Port is crucial for Afghanistan as it provides a direct link to the Arabian Sea, enabling trade without reliance on Pakistan. It is essential for exporting goods like dried fruits and saffron.
What challenges are faced by Afghan traders?
Afghan traders are facing challenges such as the closure of the Pakistan border, high air freight costs, and difficulties with money transfers, which hinder their ability to export goods.
How have Afghanistan's dried fruit exports performed recently?
Afghanistan's dried fruit exports have seen a significant increase, reaching $222 million in the first eight months of the current year, up from $179 million in the same period last year.
What cultural references did Amir Khan Muttaqi make?
Amir Khan Muttaqi referenced Rabindranath Tagore's 'Kabuliwala,' emphasizing the deep historical and cultural ties between Afghanistan and India during his public engagements.
What is the potential for trade between India and Afghanistan?
With the right negotiations to address barriers, there is significant potential for trade between India and Afghanistan, particularly in sectors like dried fruits, handicrafts, and saffron.
