Afghanistan is seeking a major shift in its regional trade strategy. Its government is urging India to increase commercial engagement and expand the use of Iran’s Chabahar Port. This move comes as Afghanistan looks for alternatives to traditional trade routes disrupted by repeated border closures and tensions with Pakistan.
Taliban Officials Push for Stronger Economic Ties
During recent meetings in New Delhi, Afghanistan’s Commerce Minister Al-Haj Nooruddin Azizi called for India to scale up trade operations. He requested India to establish cargo hubs inside Afghanistan to support smoother export flows. He also urged India to start regular shipping services through the Indian-operated Chabahar Port.
Azizi emphasised that Afghanistan needs consistent and reliable trade pathways. The country has already shifted a significant portion of its goods toward Iran and Central Asian states in recent months. These shifts began after clashes along the Pakistan border halted movement at major crossings.
Focus on Chabahar Port and New Trade Corridors
One of the central proposals discussed was the expansion of Chabahar Port’s role in Afghan-India trade. Azizi underlined that scheduled shipping services could speed up the movement of Afghan goods. He suggested that India support the development of dry ports in Afghanistan’s Nimroz province. The region borders Iran and offers direct access to new transit corridors.
He also urged India to simplify cargo handling procedures at Nhava Sheva, the country’s largest container port near Mumbai. Faster processing, he said, would help Afghan exporters expand their market reach.
More Cooperation in Key Economic Sectors
Afghanistan is seeking deeper collaboration in several industries. Azizi proposed joint ventures and investment partnerships in pharmaceuticals, cold storage, fruit processing and small manufacturing. He expressed interest in working with India on industrial parks and centres for small and medium enterprises. Such cooperation, he noted, could support long-term economic stability.
The Afghan side also pushed for faster visa processing for traders, as business travel delays have slowed commercial activities.
India Signals Willingness to Strengthen Trade
Indian officials responded positively to the talks. They described the discussions as a step toward advancing bilateral trade. They emphasised that India remains committed to supporting Afghanistan’s development and improving regional connectivity.
India highlighted its readiness to explore more opportunities that can benefit exporters from both countries. The revival of the Chabahar route is seen as a practical way to enhance regional commerce at a time when land routes remain unpredictable.
A Strategic Shift in Regional Trade Dynamics
Afghanistan’s outreach reflects a broader goal of reducing reliance on routes that face frequent closures. By deepening cooperation with India and expanding access to Iranian and Central Asian corridors, Afghanistan aims to secure stable and long-term trade alternatives.
The push for new hubs, faster cargo systems and joint ventures shows that Afghanistan wants to rebuild trade on a more reliable foundation. Stronger links with India could reshape the region’s economic map and open new opportunities for Afghan businesses.
