Afghan Minister's India Visit Renews Hopes for Revived Trade and Medical Access

The week-long visit of Afghanistan's foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India has renewed hopes for a return to pre-2021 levels of Indo-Afghan trade and the resumption of liberal medical travel for Afghan nationals. According to Kabul-based businessman Manjit Singh Lamba, access to Indian healthcare is the most urgent need for Afghans, as they have been forced to seek treatment in Pakistan and Türkiye since diplomatic ties were disrupted after the Taliban takeover in 2021.

Lamba stressed that India was the long-preferred destination due to familiarity with the culture, language, and hospitals, contrasting it with the unfamiliar and more expensive alternatives. Another Kabul-based trader, Surjit Singh Khalsa, pointed to limited flight options as a key reason for suppressed trade, despite the two countries historically being strong partners. Afghanistan primarily sends agricultural products like apples, asafoetida, pomegranates, grapes, and dry fruits through the Attari land route, while importing medicines and garments.

However, the trade route remains under close scrutiny due to smuggling risks. In April 2022, Afghan trade was flagged after a seizure of 102 kg of heroin worth over Rs 700 crore at the Attari Integrated Check Post. Despite the hurdles and security risks, the Afghan community is looking forward to positive developments in both travel and trade policies during Muttaqi's visit.