India-Afghanistan Joint Working Group Reviews Measures to Strengthen Bilateral Trade, Economic Ties

The India-Afghanistan Joint Working Group on Trade, Commerce and Investment discussed trade facilitation, customs cooperation, connectivity, investment and sectoral cooperation during a virtual meeting on September 1.

 India and Afghanistan reviewed measures to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation during a virtual meeting of the India-Afghanistan Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade, Commerce and Investment on September 1, 2026.

Officials from both countries participated in the meeting, including representatives from commerce, industry, customs, regulatory authorities and diplomatic missions.

The two sides reviewed various issues related to bilateral trade and economic cooperation and discussed ways to make trade more convenient while strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.

Trade facilitation, customs cooperation discussed

The discussions covered a broad range of areas, including trade facilitation and customs cooperation, visa facilitation for Afghan traders, banking and financial cooperation, pharmaceutical and agricultural trade, energy cooperation, investment and trade promotion.

The sides also discussed tariff concessions, cargo connectivity and port-related issues as part of efforts to improve the overall trading environment.

Both countries agreed on further action in identified areas to strengthen institutional cooperation. This includes enhancing customs and data-sharing cooperation, promoting regulatory collaboration in pharmaceuticals and agriculture, improving trade connectivity, and encouraging investment and greater business-to-business engagement.

Focus on stronger commercial links

The meeting provided a platform for officials from both sides to address practical issues affecting trade and economic engagement.

India and Afghanistan also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral trade, commerce and investment relations and agreed to maintain continued dialogue on key issues.

The meeting concluded in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The discussions reflect a focus on improving trade processes, connectivity and institutional coordination while creating greater opportunities for commercial and investment engagement between the two countries.