New Delhi: India and Afghanistan convened on Monday to discuss strategies for enhancing bilateral trade, particularly in the textile sector. The meeting saw Afghanistan express a strong interest in leveraging India's expertise as the world's second-largest cotton producer to bolster its own textile industry.
A high-level delegation from Afghanistan, led by Shafiullah Azam, Director General of Economic Relations, met with an Indian delegation headed by A. Bipin Menon, Trade Advisor, Ministry of Textiles. The Afghan delegation emphasized their country's commitment to strengthening its textile ecosystem, creating employment opportunities, and improving training facilities for farmers involved in the cotton and textile value chain.
India-Afghanistan textile trade relations already demonstrate strong complementarities. In 2024, India was the second-largest supplier of textiles and apparel to Afghanistan, with exports valued at $68.7 million. Afghanistan's total imports of textiles and apparel from across the globe amounted to $742.8 million in the same period.
During the meeting, both sides explored various avenues for mutual cooperation. These included technical support and training programs for Afghan cotton farmers, streamlined shipment and visa processes, and increased engagement between industry bodies in both countries. The Indian Ministry of Textiles encouraged Afghanistan to participate in Bharat Tex 2026.
Beyond textiles, India and Afghanistan are exploring other avenues to boost trade and economic ties. This includes the establishment of dedicated cargo flight routes between Kabul and Delhi and Amritsar. These air cargo services aim to bypass reliance on traditional routes. In addition, both countries are looking to expand trade through the sea by utilizing Iran's Chabahar port.
Recently, Afghanistan's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, was in New Delhi for a five-day visit, during which he met with members of the Spices Board of India to discuss expanding cooperation in the spice trade, increasing exports, and exploring joint investment opportunities. India has expressed interest in setting up spice production factories in Afghanistan. Discussions also encompassed medicine imports, improving spice quality, investment potential, and challenges affecting the bilateral medicine trade.
The ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties come amidst a backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics. While India does not formally recognize the Taliban government, it has been actively engaging with Afghanistan to ensure continued humanitarian assistance and foster economic development. This approach is also seen as a way for India to secure alternative access to Central Asian nations for energy and mineral trade.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism about the potential for increased collaboration in the textile sector and a commitment to continue working together to achieve shared economic goals.
