India’s Trade With Afghanistan Shifts As Taliban Relations Deepen

Data from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry reveals significant changes in trade with Afghanistan since the Taliban assumed power in August 2021.

According to the latest figures, India’s imports from Afghanistan reached a record USD 642.29 million in 2023-24, while exports to Afghanistan have fallen to their lowest level in 16 years.

Earlier reports by Al Jazeera noted that India, once seen as a potential adversary of the Taliban, has now established robust diplomatic and trade relations with the group. The report highlighted the strategic importance of Iran’s Chabahar Port in Sistan and Baluchestan province, which offers a crucial trade corridor for India and Afghanistan by bypassing Pakistan.

In recent years, senior Indian diplomats have visited Afghanistan on numerous occasions, and reports suggest that an Indian technical team is currently stationed at the Indian embassy in Kabul.

In a further sign of warming ties, India’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Vikram Misri, recently met with the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the two officials discussed regional developments and opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation.