External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said India remains committed to supporting the development and welfare of the Afghan people, following his meeting with Afghanistan’s Taliban-appointed Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi in New Delhi.
Jaishankar shared details of the meeting on X, stating,
“Discussed ways to strengthen our trade, connectivity and people-to-people ties. Reiterated India’s support for the development and welfare of the people of Afghanistan.”
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Taliban Delegation Seeks Greater Economic Cooperation
Azizi is on a five-day official visit to India and is scheduled to hold discussions with his Indian counterpart, government officials, and members of the business community.
According to intelligence sources, the Afghan minister is expected to request India’s cooperation in establishing a dedicated air-bridge for bilateral trade.
Afghanistan Looks Toward India and Iran Amid Trade Cut-Off with Pakistan
Sources said Kabul is shifting trade strategy toward Iran and India after Pakistan halted transit trade.
Afghanistan is reportedly seeking:
- Increased utilisation of Iran’s Chabahar Port
- A Kabul–New Delhi trade air corridor
- Expansion of bilateral trade from $900 million to $2–3 billion
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This visit follows the recent trip of Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, marking one of the highest-level engagements between the Taliban regime and India since 2021.
