India is preparing to restart air cargo services with Afghanistan, a move aimed at reviving bilateral trade that has slowed in recent years due to regional disruptions and logistical challenges. The announcement came during the visit of Afghanistan’s Trade Minister Al-Haj Nooruddin Azizi to New Delhi, where both sides held extensive discussions on rebuilding economic connectivity.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the air freight corridors connecting Kabul–Delhi and Kabul–Amritsar are set to become operational again “very soon.” These routes were previously vital for transporting Afghan agricultural products, dried fruits, medicinal herbs, carpets, and handicrafts to Indian markets, while India exported pharmaceuticals, textiles, industrial goods, and essential commodities to Afghanistan.
To further strengthen cooperation, India and Afghanistan have agreed to appoint dedicated trade attachés in their respective embassies. They will also reactivate the long-dormant Joint Working Group on Trade, Commerce, and Investment, which will oversee policy coordination, resolve trade issues, and explore new areas for partnership.
Officials describe the resumption of cargo flights as a major step toward restoring stable commercial ties, especially at a time when overland trade routes remain geopolitically constrained. The revival of air connectivity is expected to provide Afghan exporters a reliable channel to reach Indian markets and boost two-way trade volumes.
The renewed engagement underscores India’s continued commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s economic stability while safeguarding its own regional trade interests.
