Jaishankar, Azizi Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Regional Transit Routes
Tawazon – The Taliban Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for a five-day visit focused on strengthening trade ties and expanding connectivity with India. His schedule includes meetings with senior officials and participation in the India International Trade Fair.
Azizi met India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday, where the two discussed boosting commercial cooperation, improving access for Afghan exports and exploring options to enhance regional transit routes. The talks placed particular emphasis on greater utilisation of Chabahar Port, a key outlet for Afghan goods amid continuing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan along the Durand Line.
The Taliban presented proposals for establishing dry ports in Afghanistan’s Nimroz province with Indian support and improving cargo-handling processes at Indian ports. Azizi also called for faster visa facilitation for Afghan traders who frequently travel to India for business.
Indian officials reiterated their intention to continue supporting the Afghan people through trade, connectivity and humanitarian assistance while maintaining a calibrated diplomatic engagement with Kabul. They noted that trade and economic cooperation remain important avenues for practical collaboration.
Officials from both sides agreed to maintain follow-up discussions under their existing cooperation mechanisms. Over the coming days, the Taliban delegation is expected to hold further consultations with Indian ministries and industry representatives to identify specific areas where progress can be made.
