India to Resume Air Cargo Corridors with Afghanistan to Boost Bilateral Trade

India To Restart Air Cargo Links with Afghanistan

India has decided to resume direct air cargo services with Afghanistan, signalling a cautious but meaningful step toward restoring economic ties disrupted since political changes in Kabul in 2021. The announcement followed the visit of Afghanistan’s Taliban Trade Minister Al-Haj Nooruddin Azizi to New Delhi, marking the most significant bilateral trade re-engagement in recent years.

Revival of Key Air Freight Routes

India has reactivated the Kabul–Delhi and Kabul–Amritsar air cargo corridors. Authorities confirm that technical arrangements, security clearances and logistics planning have been completed, allowing cargo flights to begin operations shortly. These routes are expected to facilitate faster movement of Afghan exports—particularly fresh and dry fruits—into Indian markets, while enabling Indian manufacturers to dispatch essential goods such as medicines and processed food with greater speed and reliability.

Afghanistan’s Trade Priorities

Azizi’s five-day visit focused on expanding market access for Afghan agricultural goods, reducing dependency on Pakistan’s transit routes, and strengthening supply chains affected by border closures. Kabul is keen to boost exports of saffron, nuts, pine nuts and herbal products , while seeking increased imports of Indian pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering goods . Discussions also highlighted the importance of enhancing trade through Chabahar port , providing Afghanistan a strategic alternative for sea connectivity.

Addressing Financial and Transport Hurdles

With Afghanistan excluded from SWIFT, both sides are exploring ways to revive the earlier air freight payment system and stabilise commercial transactions. Afghan traders emphasise that air cargo routes are crucial, as land-based trade via Pakistan faces repeated disruptions due to political tensions and border shutdowns.

Exam Point

• Kabul–Delhi air corridor first launched in 2017 .

• Afghanistan’s key exports to India: dry fruits, saffron, medicinal herbs .

• Chabahar port offers Afghanistan access independent of Pakistan.

• India maintains a technical mission in Kabul since 2022.