New Delhi: India is preparing to restart cargo flight operations on the Delhi–Kabul and Amritsar–Kabul routes as part of a renewed push to revive trade and economic engagement with Afghanistan. The announcement was made by Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary heading the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during an official briefing on regional connectivity and commercial cooperation.
According to Prakash, the decision is aligned with India’s broader strategy to reactivate trade mechanisms that have remained dormant due to political instability and disruptions in Afghanistan over the past few years. The restoration of cargo air links is expected to provide a substantial boost to cross-border commerce, especially for exporters dealing in agricultural produce, textiles, pharmaceuticals, dried fruits, and other high-value goods that rely heavily on air transport.
Officials said the cargo flights would help reduce transit time, lower losses of perishable commodities, and ensure a more predictable supply chain between Indian markets and Afghan traders. The decision comes at a time when both countries are exploring ways to enhance bilateral trade, including through the appointment of Trade Attachés in each other’s embassies—another measure recently confirmed by the MEA.
India has long been a key trading partner for Afghanistan, importing fruits, nuts, gemstones, saffron, and medicinal plants while exporting pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, food products, and essential goods. The resumption of cargo flights is expected to restore a trade channel that was severely impacted by the geopolitical changes in 2021.
The Ministry is expected to announce detailed timelines, operational guidelines, and carrier information in the coming weeks. Aviation authorities are already in discussions with cargo operators to finalise schedules and capacity requirements. Officials emphasise that re-establishing these air corridors will strengthen regional connectivity and reinforce India’s role as a reliable trading partner for Afghanistan.
