In the first ten months of the current solar year, trade between Afghanistan and India amounted to $763 million.
Akundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, stated that exports accounted for $541 million of this total.
Jawad further said: “Trade between Afghanistan and India in the first ten months of 1403 (Solar Hijri Year) reached $763 million, with exports making up $541 million and imports totaling $222 million. Afghanistan’s major export commodities to India include dried figs, asafoetida, saffron, raisins, cumin, and almonds.”
India is one of Afghanistan’s largest trading partners after Pakistan and Iran. Trade between the two nations is conducted through transit routes such as Karachi, Chabahar, Wagah, and Bandar Abbas.
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) views Indian markets as a favorable destination for Afghan products and emphasizes the need for greater trade facilitation, particularly in securing business visas for Afghan traders.
Khanjan Alokozai, a board member of ACCI, stated: “Our trade relations with India are strong, and there is significant potential for further expansion. Although imports from India have declined, the primary reason is the lack of business visas for Afghan traders, preventing them from traveling to India for trade negotiations.”
Some Afghan businesspeople have also called for the establishment of a dedicated commission to address trade-related challenges with regional countries, particularly India.
Omid Haidari, a businessman, said: “A structured approach to imports and exports must be developed, and a special commission should be established, bringing together all relevant institutions. This commission should effectively resolve issues related to visas, banking, transportation, and transit in a timely manner.”
Previously, Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister met with India’s deputy foreign minister to discuss strengthening diplomatic relations, facilitating trade for Afghan businesses, and enhancing economic and commercial ties.
India’s deputy foreign minister reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to expanding political and economic relations with Afghanistan.