Taliban Urges India and Pakistan to Keep Trade Routes Open Amid Political Tensions

During a meeting with a group of Afghan traders, Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), addressed ongoing efforts to resolve Afghanistan’s transit issues with Pakistan and India.

Muttaqi stressed that India and Pakistan should not allow their political, military, or security-related tensions to disrupt trade routes, as such actions have a significant negative impact on Afghanistan’s exports.

He stated: “I have spoken with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister multiple times. I also raised this issue during the recent meeting of OIC foreign ministers in Istanbul. I discussed the matter by phone with India’s Foreign Minister as well, stressing that while there may be tensions between your countries—political, military, or security-related—trade routes should remain open.”

The Acting Foreign Minister also reported significant progress in easing visa processes for Afghan traders with various countries, including China. He mentioned that most visa-related problems have been resolved and that further efforts are underway to provide more facilities for Afghan traders.

Regarding recent challenges affecting the Chabahar Port route, Muttaqi acknowledged that regional tensions have impacted trade through this corridor. However, he assured that the IEA is working closely with Iranian authorities to expand Afghanistan’s trade via Chabahar Port.

Muttaqi’s remarks come at a time when Afghanistan is seeking to strengthen its trade ties with neighboring countries and beyond, despite ongoing political and security challenges in the region.