India-Afghanistan Air Cargo Flights to Commence Soon

India and Afghanistan are poised to resume air freight operations on the Kabul-Delhi and Kabul-Amritsar routes, as announced by a senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during a recent visit by Afghan Commerce and Industry Minister Al-Haj Nooruddin Azizi to India. This development aims to enhance trade ties between the two nations, which currently stand at approximately $1 billion, with significant potential for growth.

Announcement of Air Cargo Flights

During a press briefing, Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary in the MEA, expressed optimism about the upcoming air freight corridor. He stated, “I am pleased to announce that the air freight corridor on the Kabul-Delhi sector and Kabul-Amritsar routes have been activated and cargo flights on these sectors will commence very soon.”

This initiative is expected to significantly improve connectivity between India and Afghanistan, thereby strengthening their trade and commercial ties.

Focus on Trade Expansion

Minister Azizi’s visit to India is part of a broader strategy to bolster trade relations, particularly focusing on agricultural exports. Afghanistan is keen to expand its economic partnerships, especially in light of its strained relations with neighboring Pakistan. The meetings held in New Delhi are aimed at:

• Increasing trade volumes between the two countries.
• Expanding market access for Afghan agricultural products.
• Boosting Indian exports of pharmaceuticals, machinery, and textiles.

Appointment of Trade Attachés

In a bid to facilitate and oversee bilateral commerce, both countries have agreed to assign trade attachés to their respective embassies. This move is expected to streamline trade processes and enhance cooperation in various sectors.

Reactivation of Joint Working Group

Furthermore, the joint working group on trade, commerce, and investment has been reactivated. This group aims to foster collaboration between Indian and Afghan businesses, ensuring that the trade relationship is mutually beneficial and effective. Prakash emphasized the importance of active involvement from both Indian and Afghan enterprises to make this initiative successful.

Current Trade Status and Future Potential

The bilateral trade between India and Afghanistan currently stands at around $1 billion. However, officials believe there is significant scope for further growth. The reactivation of the joint working group is seen as a crucial step in realizing this potential.

Prakash noted, “There remains significant scope for further growth. In this context, we have decided to reactivate the joint working group on trade, commerce, and investment.” This proactive approach indicates a commitment to enhancing economic ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration.

Conclusion

The resumption of air cargo flights between India and Afghanistan marks a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations. With a focus on trade expansion, the appointment of trade attachés, and the reactivation of the joint working group, both nations are taking concrete steps to enhance their economic partnership. As Afghanistan seeks to diversify its trade relationships, India stands as a key partner in this endeavor.

Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest announcements and developments as of November 2025.