Taliban Trade Minister Visits India to Boost Afghan-India Trade
Taliban Trade Minister Visits India to Boost Afghan-India Trade
Taliban minister Nooruddin Azizi meets ITPO chief in Delhi to explore Afghan participation in exhibitions and expand trade with India amid broader regional diversification.
New Delhi: Taliban’s industry and commerce minister Nooruddin Azizi arrived in Delhi for a five-day visit aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties with India, becoming the second senior Taliban figure to travel to India in just over a month.
In Delhi, Azizi toured stalls at the 44th India International Trade Fair and spoke with Afghan traders about market access and expansion prospects. Neeraj Kharwal, managing director of the India Trade Promotion Organisation, met him to brief him on fair facilities and opportunities for Afghanistan to participate in future exhibitions.
A spokesperson from the external affairs ministry said the visit is focused on advancing bilateral trade and investment ties between the two countries.
The visit comes as Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions have created border closures that disrupted exports, prompting Kabul to diversify its trade routes toward India.
Analysts note that India exports pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery and food items to Afghanistan, while imports include agricultural products and minerals.
The Afghan delegation's Delhi tour follows the Taliban foreign minister's October visit to the capital and India's upgrade of its Kabul mission to a full embassy. Officials say Kabul is eyeing Indian investments in mining and hydroelectric projects and is exploring connectivity options that bypass Pakistan.
Cover image source: Another Taliban minister in India in less than 2 months, set to visit International Trade Fair 🔗
