A high-level Afghan delegation led by H.E. Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce, visited the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 on Wednesday as part of his five-day official trip to India aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment links.
The Minister was received by Neeraj Kharwal, Managing Director of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), who briefed him on the ongoing fair, its facilities, and opportunities for Afghanistan to participate more extensively in future exhibitions.
During the visit, Minister Azizi toured various stalls, including Afghan pavilions showcasing traditional Afghan products. He interacted with Afghan traders based in India to discuss market access challenges and prospects for expanding Afghan exports into the Indian market. This is the first visit by an Afghan Minister to an ITPO event since 2021 and comes at a time of heightened Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions, including border closures that have disrupted Afghan exports. These developments have pushed Afghanistan to diversify its trade routes and strengthen economic engagement with India.
Key Indian exports to Afghanistan include pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery and essential food items such as sugar, tea and rice. Afghan exports to India consist mainly of agricultural goods, dry fruits, spices, gemstones and minerals.
Recent diplomatic steps have also supported closer ties, including India’s decision in October 2025 to upgrade its Kabul mission to full embassy status.
Afghanistan is seeking Indian investments in mining, hydroelectric projects and connectivity alternatives that bypass Pakistan.
Minister Azizi’s visit to IITF 2025 is expected to further energise bilateral commercial cooperation and open new channels for economic partnership between the two countries.