Afghanistan seeks stronger trade ties with India, calls for easier business visas
Afghanistan has called for deeper trade and investment ties with India, urging the easing of business procedures, removal of administrative hurdles and simplified issuance of business visas to boost bilateral economic engagement.
The proposals were discussed during a meeting in Kabul between Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) Chairman Sayed Karim Hashemi and Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Yatin Patel. According to the ACCI, the discussions took place as part of a "strategic and diplomatic dialogue" aimed at strengthening long-term economic cooperation.
The meeting comes at a time when Afghanistan is diversifying its trade routes following a sharp decline in transit trade with Pakistan. Afghanistan's transit trade through Pakistan dropped to USD 367 million in FY26 from nearly USD 5 billion in FY21, prompting Kabul to increasingly rely on alternative routes, particularly through Iran.
India has been enhancing connectivity with Afghanistan through Iran's Chabahar Port, providing direct access to the landlocked country while bypassing Pakistan, which does not permit overland transit of Indian goods to Afghanistan.
India and Afghanistan recorded bilateral trade of USD 907.85 million in 2025-26, with trade volumes remaining close to the USD 1 billion mark over the past five years.
During the meeting, Hashemi reiterated the ACCI's commitment to expanding long-term economic cooperation with India. Referring to his recent visit to India, he emphasised the need to strengthen collaboration in agricultural exports, handicrafts, mining and mineral resources.
He also proposed measures to boost Afghanistan's exports, including improving access to international markets, strengthening logistics infrastructure and facilitating business visas for traders.
Indian Ambassador Yatin Patel welcomed the proposals and reaffirmed India's support for enhanced cooperation. He said plans are underway to organise joint trade exhibitions, specialised business forums and exchanges of trade delegations to further strengthen commercial ties.
Both sides agreed to pursue sustainable cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure while deepening long-term economic, political and cultural relations based on transparency, efficiency and mutual benefit.
India has also played a key role in Afghanistan's connectivity infrastructure by constructing the 218-km Zaranj-Delaram Highway, linking the Iranian border with Afghanistan's ring road network to facilitate trade and humanitarian assistance.
