Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe Chamber of Commerce and Investment stated that this situation has added more pressure to Afghanistan’s economy.
Fresh tensions between India and Pakistan have posed challenges to Afghanistan’s trade, resulting in the halt of export shipments at regional ports.
The Chamber of Commerce and Investment stated that this situation has added more pressure to Afghanistan’s economy.
Khan Jan Alokozay, a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “The situation is damaging. In addition to the fact that Afghan goods have become more expensive in India due to limited supply and high demand—since Indian people like Afghanistan’s fresh and dried fruits—this is a serious issue. We call on the governments of Pakistan and India to separate transit and trade issues from political and security matters.”
The Ministry of Economy also expressed concerns regarding the direct impact of India-Pakistan tensions on Afghanistan’s economy.
Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy minister of economy, said: “Tensions in India-Pakistan relations negatively impact Afghanistan’s economic situation. Afghanistan’s essential goods were imported through the Wagah border, and with increased tensions, this process can undoubtedly cause serious harm to Afghanistan’s imports and exports.”
Meanwhile, some experts suggest that Afghanistan can increasingly utilize Iran’s Chabahar Port to continue trade with India.
Mir Shaker Yaqubi, an economic expert, said: “Given the regional situation—especially the tensions between India and Pakistan—the conditions are now favorable for using Chabahar Port as an alternative to Wagah. We can significantly increase trade through this port, which is a golden opportunity for Afghanistan.”
At the same time, following the escalation of tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, officials from Afghanistan’s interim government and representatives of the private sector have called for regional dialogue to reduce the crisis and prevent further damage to the region’s economic interests.