This marks the second high-level visit by an Afghan Taliban minister, coming just weeks after the arrival of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in talks held on Thursday with Taliban Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, once again emphasized that India remains committed to supporting the welfare and development of Afghanistan’s population.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar wrote on X that discussions with Afghan Taliban Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi focused on enhancing trade, connectivity, and people-to-people engagement. He added that India has once again affirmed its commitment to supporting the development and welfare of Afghanistan’s citizens.
Azizi is currently on a five-day visit to India, during which he has held meetings with his Indian counterpart, senior officials, and representatives from the business community.
According to top intelligence sources quoted by News18, the visiting minister is expected to request New Delhi’s full cooperation in creating an air-bridge to boost bilateral trade.
Sources said the Taliban administration has shifted its focus toward Iran and India after Pakistan closed transit trade routes. Kabul is now seeking greater use of Iran’s Chabahar Port and the establishment of a dedicated air-trade corridor between Kabul and New Delhi.
Afghanistan hopes to scale up its trade volume with India, raising it from about $900 million at present to an estimated $2–3 billion.
This marks the second high-profile visit by a Taliban minister in a short span, coming only weeks after Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s arrival.