Afghanistan’s leading trade body has called for expanding trade and investment relations with India, urging both countries to simplify business procedures, remove administrative hurdles and facilitate the issuance of business visas to boost bilateral commerce.
The proposals were discussed during a meeting in Kabul between Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) Chairman Sayed Karim Hashemi and Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Yatin Patel. According to a statement issued by the ACCI, the discussions were held within the framework of a “strategic and diplomatic dialogue” aimed at strengthening long-term economic cooperation.
The meeting assumes significance at a time when Afghanistan’s transit trade through Pakistan has witnessed a dramatic decline. Transit trade fell to USD 367 million in FY2025-26 from nearly USD 5 billion in FY2020-21, as Kabul increasingly shifted to alternative trade corridors, particularly through Iran.
India has emerged as a key partner in this transition by strengthening connectivity through Iran’s Chabahar Port, which provides Afghanistan with direct access to international markets while bypassing Pakistan, which does not permit overland transit of Indian goods to Afghanistan.
During the meeting, Hashemi reaffirmed the Afghan private sector’s commitment to expanding long-term economic engagement with India. Referring to his recent visit to India, he emphasised the need to deepen cooperation in agricultural exports, handicrafts, mining and mineral resources.
He also proposed several strategic measures to enhance Afghanistan’s exports, including expanding access to international markets, improving logistics infrastructure, simplifying trade procedures and facilitating business visa issuance for entrepreneurs.
Ambassador Patel welcomed the proposals and reiterated India’s support for strengthening bilateral economic ties. He said India is planning to organise joint trade exhibitions, specialised business forums and exchanges of trade delegations to promote greater commercial engagement between the two countries.
According to the ACCI, both sides agreed to pursue sustainable cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure development while reinforcing long-term economic, political and cultural relations based on transparency, efficiency and mutual benefit.
India and Afghanistan recorded bilateral trade of USD 907.85 million during FY2025-26, with trade volumes remaining close to the USD 1 billion mark over the past five years despite regional geopolitical challenges.
India has also intensified its engagement with Kabul in recent months. Earlier this month, Afghan Agriculture Minister Mawlawi Ataullah Omari visited New Delhi, reflecting growing cooperation in agriculture and trade.
As part of its long-term connectivity strategy, India has developed the 218-km Zaranj-Delaram Highway in western Afghanistan, connecting the Iranian border to Afghanistan’s national ring road network. The corridor plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, humanitarian assistance and regional connectivity through Chabahar, strengthening India’s access to Afghanistan and the wider Central Asian region.
