PHDCCI Hosts High-Level India–Afghanistan Trade Dialogue, Reinforcing Bilateral Economic Ties

New Delhi, July 10, 2026: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted a high-level delegation from Afghanistan led by  Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of Afghanistan during an Interactive Session on “India–Afghanistan Trade Opportunities” on 10 July 2026 at PHD House, New Delhi, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, policymakers, industry leaders, exporters, and business representatives from India and Afghanistan to explore new avenues for strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Nasir Jamal, Director, PHDCCI, highlighted the centuries-old historical, cultural, and commercial ties between India and Afghanistan and reaffirmed PHDCCI's commitment to strengthening bilateral economic engagement. He emphasized the growing potential for collaboration in agriculture, food processing, dry fruits, saffron, medicinal and aromatic plants, livestock, warehousing, agricultural technology, and value-chain development. He noted that India's expertise in agricultural research, farm mechanisation, food processing, cold-chain infrastructure, and capacity building can play a significant role in supporting Afghanistan's agricultural development while fostering mutually beneficial trade and investment between the two countries.
Addressing the gathering, Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of Afghanistan, expressed his gratitude to the Government of India and PHDCCI for the warm hospitality extended to the Afghan delegation during his first visit to India. Describing the India-Afghanistan relationship as one built on centuries of friendship, trust, and shared cultural heritage, he highlighted that nearly 80% of Afghanistan's population depends on agriculture, irrigation, and livestock. He called for greater collaboration in agricultural mechanisation, certified seeds, food processing, cold-chain infrastructure, packaging, livestock development, irrigation, renewable energy, and rural development, while inviting Indian companies to invest in organic fertilizer production, agri-processing, and technology transfer. He reaffirmed the Afghan Government's commitment to facilitating investments and strengthening long-term partnerships with Indian industry for the prosperity of both nations.
Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of Afghanistan, New Delhi, emphasized the centuries-old civilizational and people-to-people ties between India and Afghanistan and noted that recent diplomatic engagements have created renewed momentum for expanding bilateral economic relations. Inviting Indian businesses to explore opportunities in agriculture, water management, renewable energy, mining, infrastructure, and tourism, he stated that Afghanistan today offers a secure and investment-friendly environment with significant potential for trade and long-term investments. He assured the Embassy's full support in facilitating business partnerships and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
Addressing the session, D. P. Goel, Co-Chair, MSME Committee, PHDCCI, highlighted PHDCCI's commitment to promoting MSMEs, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable industrial development. He emphasized the immense scope for India–Afghanistan collaboration through organic waste-to-manure conversion, precision farming, satellite mapping, and drone-based crop monitoring, which can improve soil health, enhance agricultural productivity, reduce chemical inputs, and promote sustainable farming practices.
Capt. Vishal Parmar, Director – Innovation, Transformation & Strategy, SN Group, emphasized that trust is the foundation of successful trade partnerships and highlighted the role of innovation in strengthening bilateral economic cooperation. He showcased technology-driven solutions, including 3D product authentication systems for agricultural traceability, oxygen-infused nanotechnology-based water solutions for agriculture and aquaculture, and advanced renewable energy storage technologies, noting that such innovations can support sustainable development and unlock new opportunities for India–Afghanistan collaboration.
The session witnessed the participation of senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, distinguished representatives from the Embassy of Afghanistan, New Delhi, and a high-level delegation from the Government of Afghanistan, including Shuaib Wakil Ahmad, Director General, First Political Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mohammad Wali Waziri, Advisor (Livestock and Animal Health Sectors), Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock; Abdul Ahad Mohammad Ibrahim, Technical Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, along with policymakers, diplomats, industry leaders, exporters, entrepreneurs, and trade experts. The deliberations focused on strengthening bilateral trade, facilitating investments, improving market access, promoting technology transfer, and expanding collaboration across agriculture and allied sectors. The discussions reflected the shared resolve of both countries to deepen economic engagement, foster resilient value chains, and unlock the immense potential of the India–Afghanistan partnership.
The programme concluded with an interactive Question & Answer session, during which participants engaged directly with the Afghan ministerial delegation, diplomatic representatives, and industry experts. Discussions focused on trade facilitation, investment opportunities, agricultural cooperation, logistics, technology transfer, renewable energy, and policy support. The interactive exchange reaffirmed the strong interest of businesses from both countries in forging new partnerships and marked another significant step towards deepening India–Afghanistan trade and economic cooperation.