Afghanistan’s Taliban trade minister, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, visited India to encourage more investments and trade between the two countries. This visit comes as both nations seek to strengthen their relationship amid declining ties with Pakistan. Recently, India upgraded its ties by reopening its embassy in Kabul, which had been closed since the Taliban took power in 2021.
Azizi is scheduled to meet with Indian officials, including the trade and foreign ministers, as well as local traders and investors. The discussions will focus on boosting economic cooperation, enhancing trade relations, and creating investment opportunities while also improving Afghanistan’s role in regional transportation.
Due to recent border closures with Pakistan after armed clashes, Afghanistan seeks access to essential goods like grains and medicines. India is also actively involved in trade through the Iranian port of Chabahar, which provides an alternate route for goods, reducing Kabul’s reliance on Pakistan. Despite historical friendship, India does not recognize the current Taliban government, but relations are evolving due to shared concerns about Pakistan and China.
With information from Reuters