Cargo Connection Restored: India-Afghanistan Air Link Takes Off After Years of Pause

Updated: November 22, 2025 23:43

Image Source: The Economic Times

India will soon resume air cargo flights with Afghanistan, restoring crucial trade corridors between Kabul and Delhi/Amritsar. This move aims to boost bilateral trade, enhance connectivity, and provide Afghan access to Indian goods amid regional challenges. The announcement follows high-level visits signaling warming pragmatic engagement despite political complexities.

India is poised to reactivate its air cargo services with Afghanistan, marking an important step to unlock stalled trade channels and strengthen bilateral ties. The announcement came during the visit of Afghanistan’s Taliban Commerce and Industry Minister, Nooruddin Azizi, aimed at expanding trade and securing reliable access to Indian markets amidst the ongoing closure of Afghanistan’s border with Pakistan due to military tensions.

Key highlights:

Trade Channels Reactivated

India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that air freight corridors between Kabul and both Delhi and Amritsar have been activated. Cargo flights are expected to commence imminently, restoring a critical logistical link that had been dormant for years.

Boost to Commercial Connectivity

This initiative is set to significantly improve trade flow by facilitating faster, reliable transportation of goods such as grains, pharmaceuticals and industrial products. It addresses the impediment of Pakistan’s continued closure of its airspace to Indian carriers, while Afghan airlines still operate passenger flights on these routes.

New Bilateral Mechanisms

Both countries agreed to exchange trade attachés in their respective embassies to oversee and promote trade cooperation, ensuring smoother coordination and resolving business bottlenecks. Additionally, the Joint Working Group on Trade, Commerce, and Investment, previously inactive, will be reactivated to drive further growth.

Warming Diplomatic Engagement

While India does not officially recognize the Taliban government, this move reflects cautious and pragmatic engagement to support Afghanistan’s economic resilience. It follows recent diplomatic visits and India reopening its embassy in Kabul, signaling a strategic interest in stabilizing this neighbor.

In conclusion, the resumption of air cargo flights between India and Afghanistan not only revitalizes stalled trade but also marks a subtle recalibration of diplomatic ties, focused on economic cooperation amid regional complexities. It underscores India's intent to maintain robust regional connectivity and support Afghan access to essential commodities.

Source: The New Indian Express, The Telegraph India, India Today, Reuters

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