Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce Calls for Easier Indian Business Visa Process
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has called for the expansion of trade and investment relations with India and the facilitation of business visas for traders from both countries. This request comes as part of ongoing efforts to diversify Afghanistan’s trade routes.
This issue was raised during a meeting between Syed Karim Hashimi, head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, and Yatin Patel, the Indian ambassador to Kabul. According to a statement from the chamber, both sides discussed ways to develop economic cooperation and remove administrative barriers in trade processes.
The Chamber of Commerce head, referring to his recent trip to India, emphasized increasing exports of agricultural products, handicrafts, and mineral resources. He also presented suggestions to improve logistical infrastructure and better access to target markets. Additionally, he requested the facilitation of business visa issuance for economic actors in both countries.
The Indian ambassador mentioned upcoming plans such as joint exhibitions, specialized trade meetings, and the exchange of commercial delegations.
This meeting took place as Afghanistan’s transit trade through Pakistan has sharply declined. According to published statistics, this figure fell from around $5 billion in the 2021 fiscal year to $367 million in the 2026 fiscal year.
In response, India has tried to establish an alternative access route to the Afghan market via Iran’s Chabahar port, a route that allows goods to be transported without passing through Pakistani territory. The bilateral trade volume between India and Afghanistan in the 2025–2026 fiscal year was reported at approximately $908 million.
In recent years, India has invested in some infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, including the Zaranj-Delaram highway, a route connecting the Iranian border to Afghanistan’s road network, playing a significant role in developing trade links with Central Asia.
