Afghanistan is seeking to deepen trade ties with India, pitching for easier business access and enhanced cooperation on agriculture, mining, and infrastructure, according to a statement from the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) reported by the Economic Times.
Meeting in Kabul
The proposals were discussed in Kabul during a meeting between ACCI Chairman Sayed Karim Hashemi and Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Yatin Patel, held "in the framework of a strategic and diplomatic dialogue," according to the ACCI statement released on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Trade Data
Afghanistan-India bilateral trade stood at USD 907.85 million in 2025-26, remaining around the USD 1 billion mark over the past five years. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's transit trade with neighbouring Pakistan has seen a sharp decline, falling to USD 367 million in FY26 from about USD 5 billion in FY21, as Kabul increasingly shifted to alternative trade routes, including through Iran.
| Trade Corridor | Value FY21 (USD) | Value FY26 (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan-India bilateral | ~1 billion | 907.85 million |
| Afghanistan-Pakistan transit | ~5 billion | 367 million |
Proposals for Enhanced Cooperation
Hashemi reaffirmed the trading body's commitment to strengthening long-term economic cooperation with India and highlighted the importance of facilitating trade procedures and institutional development in the private sector. Referring to his recent visit to India, Hashemi "stressed the need to sustain and deepen economic cooperation in the fields of agricultural exports, handicrafts, mining, and mineral resources."
"He also presented several strategic proposals aimed at increasing Afghanistan's exports, including expanding access to target markets, improving logistics infrastructure, and facilitating the issuance of business visas." — ACCI statement
India's Response
The Indian ambassador welcomed the proposals and "reaffirmed India's support in the identified areas of cooperation." According to the statement, Ambassador Patel stated that plans are underway to organise joint trade exhibitions, specialised business forums, and the exchange of trade delegations between the two countries.
Connectivity Infrastructure
India has built the 218-km Zaranj-Delaram highway in western Afghanistan, linking the Iranian border with Afghanistan's ring road network, to facilitate trade and humanitarian supplies. The route is seen as a key component of India's connectivity strategy with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Both sides agreed to pursue sustainable cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure development and strengthen long-term economic, political and cultural ties based on "transparency, efficiency and mutual benefit," the ACCI said.
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