‘India A Huge Market, Must Restore Our Full Partnership’: Afghan Minister Bats For Deeper Trade Ties

Last Updated:November 25, 2025, 16:26 IST

Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi stressed that Afghanistan sees India as one of the biggest and most promising markets for Afghan goods, particularly minerals and agricultural products

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal with Afghanistan's Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi during a meeting. (@PiyushGoyal/X via PTI Photo)

Afghanistan’s Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi has said India is a huge market and the two countries “must restore our full partnership".

In an exclusive conversation with News18 India, Azizi struck an optimistic note on the future of India–Afghanistan economic ties, emphasising that both nations stand to gain significantly from deeper trade, investment and connectivity.

Azizi began by expressing gratitude for New Delhi’s invitation, calling his India visit “an opportunity that will deliver good results for both countries". He confirmed that India and Afghanistan have agreed to organise joint exhibitions and B2B interactions aimed at boosting commercial linkages. “This will benefit both nations. Afghan products have strong demand in India, and we have been trading for many years," he said.

A major focus of the talks was reducing the high cost of the air corridor, a crucial lifeline for Afghan exports after Pakistan blocked transit trade via Wagah. While the minister refrained from putting a number on Afghanistan’s losses due to the closure, he admitted the impact was unnecessary and avoidable. “Losses are happening for no reason," he remarked.

Azizi stressed that Afghanistan sees India not just as a partner, but as one of the biggest and most promising markets for Afghan goods, particularly minerals and agricultural products. At the same time, he pointed out that Indian products enjoy strong demand not only in Afghanistan but also across Central Asia and Russia. “We do not want to miss any market," he added.

On the strategic Chabahar Port, the minister acknowledged that while it is a functional and important route, current transportation costs remain high. Kabul, he said, is committed to lowering these charges to make the corridor more competitive and commercially attractive.

Sending a clear message to New Delhi, Azizi outlined Kabul’s expectations from the Narendra Modi government. “We request the government of India to restore the political, trade and cultural relationship that once existed between our two countries," he said, signalling Afghanistan’s keenness to reset ties amid regional challenges.

The minister, while addressing global concerns over security under Taliban rule, asserted that Afghanistan is now “one of the safest countries", adding that tourists have begun returning. “There may be security issues anywhere in the world, but there is no security concern in Afghanistan today," he insisted.

With trade talks gaining momentum and both sides seeking greater connectivity, Azizi’s message was unequivocal: India and Afghanistan are natural economic partners, and the time has come to revive their full potential.

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