India announced that it would upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to an embassy and resume its development work in Afghanistan. The announcement comes after 4 years of withdrawal of officials from Kabul Mission. The two sides also agreed to strengthen trade and commercial ties, especially in the mining sector, and restore the air freight corridor.
India Upgrades Kabul Mission
During talks in New Delhi, Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi invited Indian companies to invest in Afghanistan’s mining sector. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed strong support for this invitation. India had significant investments in Afghanistan’s mining sector before 2021.
Later that day, Muttaqi said at a press conference that Afghanistan requires technology and expertise in mining, health, and power-generation. He mentioned that Kabul would create a trade committee to work with India to eliminate trade barriers. Muttaqi, who arrived in India on Thursday for a six-day visit, plans to travel to Agra and Deoband.
Country continue air freight corridor with Afghanistan
India and Afghanistan also resumed their air freight corridor to further improve direct trade and commerce between the two countries, as said in a joint announcement. The corridor, launched in June 2017, conducted nearly 1,000 flights carrying goods worth over $216 million until August 2020. “I am glad to note the commencement of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi,” Jaishankar said.
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