New Delhi [India], November 19 (ANI): Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, led a high-level delegation to the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 on Wednesday, seeking to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations. The visit, part of a five-day official trip to India, comes amid rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including border closures that have disrupted exports.
During his visit, Minister Azizi met Neeraj Kharwal, Managing Director of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), to discuss opportunities for Afghanistan to participate in future exhibitions. He toured several stalls, including Afghan displays featuring local products, and engaged with traders to explore market access and expansion opportunities.
This marks the first visit by an Afghan minister to an ITPO event since 2021. With Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions escalating, Kabul is increasingly seeking to diversify its trade partnerships by strengthening ties with India.
Afghanistan aims to leverage India’s expertise in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and machinery. India’s key exports to Afghanistan include these products, while Afghan exports to India largely consist of agricultural items and minerals. Recent diplomatic moves, including India upgrading its Kabul mission to full embassy status, have further supported the momentum in bilateral relations.
The Afghan delegation is also exploring investment opportunities in mining and hydroelectric projects, as well as alternative connectivity routes that bypass Pakistan. Officials highlighted that such initiatives could unlock new avenues for sustainable trade growth.
Earlier, in October 2025, Afghanistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, concluded a six-day visit to India—the highest-level engagement between New Delhi and the Taliban regime since its 2021 takeover. During that visit, both sides agreed to establish a trade committee to enhance economic cooperation. (ANI)
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