Air Cargo Services Between India and Afghanistan Set to Launch Soon

An Indian foreign ministry official stated on Friday that air cargo services between India and Afghanistan will launch soon. This announcement occurred during a visit to New Delhi by Afghanistan's Trade Minister Nooruddin Azizi. Azizi urged India to increase trade and establish cargo hubs, as Kabul requires access to grains, medicines, and industrial goods. This need arises following the closure of Afghanistan's border with Pakistan after military clashes.

Kabul's air freight corridors with Delhi and the northern Indian city of Amritsar have been activated. Cargo flights will operate on these routes very soon, according to Anand Prakash, a joint secretary in the Indian foreign ministry. Prakash told Reuters news agency on the sidelines of an India-Afghanistan business conference that all formalities from the Indian side are complete. He added, “We are waiting for all the papers from their (Afghan) side … Once they complete them, the cargo flights will start.”

Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited New Delhi last month. Since then, the two countries have upgraded their ties. India has reopened its embassy in Kabul, which was shut in 2021.