Trade winds to Delhi: Afghan minister Nooruddin Azizi’s 5-day India push, from cargo cuts to Chabahar conversations

Updated: November 19, 2025 02:13

Image Source: The Daily Guardian

Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi begins a five-day India visit, with meetings slated with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and a likely stop at IITF. Agenda priorities include cheaper cargo links, diversified trade routes, and Chabahar connectivity—building on last month’s engagement to set up a joint trade committee.

What’s happening and why it matters

Afghan Trade Minister Nooruddin Azizi arrives in New Delhi for a five-day official visit starting November 19, accompanied by a large delegation and expected to meet India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal; he is also likely to visit the India International Trade Fair (IITF). The trip marks one of the highest-level Taliban-era trade engagements with India.

Key highlights

High-level meetings:

Scheduled engagement with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss trade facilitation, logistics, and market access, signaling a practical pivot to commerce-first ties.

Cargo costs slashed for India route:

Ariana Afghan Airlines cut cargo rates on the Delhi corridor by more than half, timed with Azizi’s arrival, to boost bilateral shipments and reduce friction for exporters.

IITF visibility and outreach:

Azizi is likely to visit the India International Trade Fair, leveraging a marquee platform to showcase Afghan goods and explore B2B connects with Indian buyers.

From Pakistan routes to diversified corridors:

Discussions are expected on expanding cargo pathways, including India-focused corridors and alternatives like the Chabahar port link, to reduce dependence on traditional transit routes.

Follow-through from October talks:

Builds on Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s October India visit where both sides agreed to set up a trade committee to enhance economic cooperation and investment opportunities.

Delegation depth:

The minister travels with a sizable team, indicating sectoral consultations across textiles, dry fruits, saffron, minerals, and logistics for tangible trade outcomes.

What to watch next

Concrete trade facilitation steps: Cargo rate reductions, customs coordination, and streamlined documentation; possible pilot consignments to test timelines and costs.

Chabahar and regional connectivity: Any movement on multimodal plans tying Afghan producers to Indian ports via Iran’s Chabahar.

Trade committee activation: Timelines and working groups that convert intent into schedules, targets, and sector-specific roadmaps.

Implications for businesses

Indian importers can expect near-term logistics relief on the Delhi cargo lane and a broader supplier base in Afghan agri and artisanal products. Afghan exporters gain market access and visibility, while both sides test resilient corridors that sidestep chokepoints—setting the stage for durable, politics-light commerce.

Sources: WION, WebIndia123, The Tribune

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