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New Delhi: Days after Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the country’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, landed in India on a five-day visit on Wednesday. With his visit, the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan is looking to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties with India.
"A warm welcome to the Afghan Industry and Commerce Minister, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, on his official visit to India. Advancing bilateral trade and investment ties is the key focus of the visit," the MEA said in a statement, welcoming the minister.
On the first day of his visit, Azizi visited the ongoing India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 in Delhi. Upon his arrival, the minister was welcomed by Neeraj Kharwal, Managing Director of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). Kharwal briefed the minister on the ongoing fair, available facilities, and opportunities for Afghanistan to participate in future exhibitions.
The minister also visited various stalls at the fair, including Afghan stalls showcasing local products to promote business connections. He also interacted with Afghan traders to discuss market access and expansion prospects.
Importantly, this was the first visit by any Afghan minister to ITPO since 2021. This may be noted that the Muttaqi’s visit and now by Azizi have come at a time when Afghanistan us having border tensions with Pakistan, disrupting exports, prompting Kabul to diversify trade with New Delhi.
For years, India had always been a major trading partner of Afghanistan. Bet it is sending relief measures during COVID times or other times, India has always sent relief measures to Afghanistan. Key Indian exports to Afghanistan include pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery, food items like sugar, tea, and rice, while imports feature agricultural products and minerals.
Afghanistan is currently seeking Indian investments in its mining sector and hydroelectric projects. It is also exploring various avenues to bypass Pakistan for increased connectivity. India recently restored the status of its Technical Mission in Kabul to that of an Embassy during Muttaqi’s visit to India.
