InternationalSunday, 19 July 2026·The Hindu - International
Afghanistan-India trade push gains focus as Kabul seeks easier visas, logistics and market access
Afghanistan’s ACCI and India’s ambassador discussed trade facilitation in Kabul on July 18, 2026, as bilateral trade stood at $907.85 million in 2025-26.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment chairman Sayed Karim Hashemi met Indian Ambassador Yatin Patel in Kabul to discuss easier business visas, logistics and trade procedures, while bilateral trade stood at $907.85 million in 2025-26.
Key specifics
- The meeting was held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the framework of a strategic and diplomatic dialogue.
- Afghanistan’s transit trade with Pakistan fell to $367 million in FY26 from about $5 billion in FY21.
- India-Afghanistan bilateral trade has remained around the $1 billion mark over the past five years.
- India is using Iran’s Chabahar port and the 218-km Zaranj-Delaram highway to improve access to Afghanistan.
- The ACCI proposed joint trade exhibitions, specialised business forums and exchange of trade delegations.
Exam lens
Question type: India’s neighbourhood diplomacy and connectivity, Kabul meeting, $907.85 million trade, Chabahar port, 218-km Zaranj-Delaram highway. TNPSC may ask the port, highway length and trade figures.