Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has extended an invitation to India to invest in Afghanistan's burgeoning minerals, agriculture, and sports sectors. Speaking in New Delhi, Muttaqi highlighted the untapped potential within Afghanistan and urged Indian businesses to explore opportunities in these key areas.
In addition to seeking investment, the Foreign Minister also requested India to facilitate trade by opening the Wagah border. Muttaqi emphasized that the Wagah border represents the "fastest trade route" between Afghanistan and India, suggesting that its opening would significantly boost economic exchange between the two nations.
The appeal to India comes amidst discussions between Muttaqi and India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during which an agreement was reached to increase the number of flights between Kabul and Delhi. These discussions also covered trade and economic cooperation, signaling a strengthening of ties between the two countries.
During a press conference in New Delhi, Muttaqi addressed the absence of women journalists at a previous media interaction, attributing it to a "technical issue" and denying any intention to exclude them. He reiterated that the rights of all, including women, should be respected. This clarification followed criticism from opposition leaders and press bodies in India.
Furthermore, Muttaqi addressed questions regarding the Afghan embassy in New Delhi, affirming that it belongs to Afghanistan and that all personnel working there are affiliated with the current Afghan government.
The Foreign Minister also touched upon regional relations, expressing Afghanistan's desire for a peaceful resolution of issues with Pakistan. He stated that the security situation within Afghanistan is currently stable, allowing for normal trade and business activities within the bounds of the law.
The invitation for Indian investment and the request to open the Wagah border reflect Afghanistan's focus on bolstering its economy through trade and international cooperation. The discussions held with the Indian External Affairs Minister and the subsequent agreements signal a positive trajectory for India-Afghanistan relations.
