Afghanistan’s Industry and Commerce Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi has arrived in New Delhi for a five-day visit, marking the second high-level Taliban delegation in India within weeks and signalling a rapid strengthening of India–Afghanistan economic engagement. His trip comes at a moment of deep strain between Kabul and Islamabad, with Pakistan keeping key border crossings closed after clashes — a move that has severely disrupted Afghan exports and pushed the Taliban regime to urgently seek alternative trade partners and routes.
Azizi’s arrival follows Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s October visit, during which both sides agreed to establish a bilateral trade committee and explore cooperation in sectors such as minerals, infrastructure, and energy. India has since upgraded its presence in Kabul from a technical mission to a full embassy, indicating a significant diplomatic shift and willingness to engage substantively with the Taliban authorities.
New Delhi’s foreign office spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed Azizi, noting that expanding bilateral trade and investment will be the central focus of the visit. Over the next several days, Azizi is expected to meet senior Indian officials, participate in trade-driven dialogues, and attend the India International Trade Fair (IITF), where Afghan businesses traditionally showcase agricultural and handicraft products.
His visit is particularly critical for Kabul because Pakistan’s closure of border routes has already inflicted heavy financial losses. According to the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Investment, traders on both sides have suffered more than $100 million in losses due to the shutdown of crossings. Afghan fruit exports have been especially hit, with trucks stranded for days and produce rotting at the borders.
Against this backdrop, Azizi has previously urged Afghan traders to diversify away from Pakistan, even acknowledging economic pain as a necessary sacrifice. Kabul has identified several alternative routes — Iran’s Chabahar Port, the Wakhan Corridor into China, Central Asian logistics hubs, dedicated air corridors, and developing rail networks — as potential long-term solutions.
By strengthening ties with India, Azizi aims to stabilise Afghanistan’s trade environment, attract new investment, and reduce reliance on Pakistan’s volatile border politics. The visit highlights Kabul’s search for more dependable economic partners and India’s growing willingness to play a key role in Afghanistan’s emerging post-Pakistan commercial strategy.
