With an aim to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation, the commerce ministry has said that the India-Afghanistan Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade, Commerce and Investment held its meeting virtually on September 1, 2026. At the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening India-Afghanistan trade, commerce and investment ties and agreed to maintain continued engagement on the issues discussed.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed various issues relating to bilateral trade and economic cooperation and discussed measures to further facilitate trade and strengthen commercial engagement between the two countries. Key areas of discussion included trade facilitation and customs cooperation, visa facilitation for Afghan traders, banking and financial cooperation, pharmaceutical and agricultural trade, energy cooperation, investment and trade promotion, tariff concessions, cargo connectivity and port-related issues.
Both sides agreed to strengthen institutional cooperation and pursue follow-up actions in the identified areas, including enhanced customs and data-sharing cooperation, regulatory cooperation in pharmaceuticals and agriculture, improved trade connectivity, and promotion of investment and business-to-business engagement. The meeting was attended by officials from India and Afghanistan, including representatives from commerce, industry, customs, regulatory authorities and diplomatic missions.
