Analysts say the initiative reflects Kabul’s push to diversify trade routes and reduce dependence on Islamabad following deadly border clashes, while also underscoring New Delhi’s effort to reassert influence in a country where it once played a key development role.
The decision to launch the cargo flights was announced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday, following a week-long visit to Delhi by Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, Afghanistan’s minister of industry and commerce.
The opening of the route will ensure faster transfer of fresh fruits and medicinal herbs from landlocked Afghanistan, which faces delays in ground transit, according to local media reports.
Last month, Pakistan closed its border with Afghanistan for trade and civilian movement following deadly military clashes. Now, Kabul is seeking to increase trade with India and has urged Delhi to open cargo hubs on Afghan soil.
