KABUL: The Indian Merchant Council, known as “Zonal Amritsar,” in Punjab, India, recently held a meeting to discuss strengthening capacity and developing air exports to Afghanistan.
According to The Indian Express on Wednesday evening, the meeting was held within the framework of the “India-Afghanistan Business Council (I-ABC).”
The report states that the discussion focused on commercial capacities between India and Afghanistan, particularly via air routes for agricultural products. Indian traders highlighted agricultural exports as a key driver for the economic strengthening of the region.
The meeting was described as “the most detailed trade interaction” by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, identifying challenges such as “limited air cargo space, restricted customs working hours, and holidays.”
It was proposed to establish a trade hub linking “Amritsar – Kabul – Dubai,” enhancing transport capacity with wide-body aircraft and frequent flights.
Gurbir Singh, the former Chief Minister of Punjab and a leader at the meeting, noted that increasing capacity in high-value products, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors, along with subsequent connections to Kabul and other destinations, could serve as an economic driver for the border region and the state.
This comes as visits by Afghanistan’s ministers of foreign affairs, industry, trade, and public health to India in recent months have increased opportunities for cooperation between Kabul and New Delhi across political, economic, and commercial spheres.
Amritsar-based Indian merchant council assesses trade ties with Afghanistan
