Indian Trade Experts Urge Use of Air Corridors to Boost Kabul–Delhi Trade

During a business meeting held in Amritsar, India, trade experts and officials stressed the importance of using air corridors to increase exports of Afghan agricultural products to India. They said this could strengthen the economy of both countries and improve trade relations.

The meeting was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), a major Indian business group, in cooperation with the Indo-Afghan Business Commission (I-ABC). It brought together Indian business leaders, trade experts, and airport officials to discuss how trade through Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ram Dass International Airport can be improved.

Gunbir Singh, former Punjab chairman of the Indo-Afghan Business Commission, led discussions with key stakeholders to explore how the airport could serve as a hub for Afghan exports.

Economic analyst Abdul Zahoor Madbar said, “India is a strong economy. Building relations with India can benefit both sides. India offers a solid market for Afghan goods, and Afghanistan can also serve as a market for Indian products.”

Former Indian ambassador Navdeep Suri and other experts highlighted the strategic importance of creating a Kabul–Dubai trade corridor, saying it could unlock new opportunities for Afghanistan’s trade with the wider region.

The Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Investment also supported stronger ties with India, urging improvements in business visa issuance and cargo transportation.

Chamber spokesperson Jan Aqa Naveed said, “Expanding trade with India, through Iran and UAE ports as well—serves the interests of the Afghan people. We can import quality Indian goods and export Afghan products in return.”

Economic expert Jahesh Arab called on the Afghan government to make greater efforts to open more trade routes for Afghan entrepreneurs.

These calls come as trade with Pakistan remains limited, prompting a growing shift toward India, with several Afghan ministers engaging in efforts to support this trade direction.