An official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced today (Friday, November 20) that air-cargo services between India and Afghanistan will soon resume.
Anand Prakash said: “I am pleased to announce that air-cargo routes on the Kabul–Delhi and Kabul–Amritsar sectors have been activated, and cargo flights on these routes will begin shortly.”
He made the remarks in the presence of Nooruddin Azizi, the Taliban’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, who is currently visiting India.
Prakash told Reuters: “All formalities on our side are complete. We are now waiting to receive the documents from them (Afghanistan). Once they finalize the paperwork, cargo flights will start.”
India halted flights to Afghanistan after its recent tensions with Pakistan, as Islamabad does not allow Indian aircraft to use its airspace. Afghan carriers, however, are still able to operate flights between Kabul and New Delhi.
Seeking “alternative trade routes,” Azizi traveled first to Iran and then to India.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce said the delegation is visiting New Delhi to activate and effectively use the capacities of Chabahar Port, attract Indian investment there, and expand bilateral trade.
