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.

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada is on an official visit to Morocco from August 24 to 25, with India-Morocco trade, investment and wider economic cooperation high on the agenda.

Prasada will co-chair the 7th Session of the India-Morocco Joint Commission with Omar Hejira, Morocco’s Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade in charge of Foreign Trade. The meeting is expected to review existing areas of bilateral economic cooperation and explore opportunities to diversify trade and improve market access.

The discussions are likely to cover a broad range of sectors, including trade, fertilizer production and supply, investment, industrial cooperation, customs, agriculture, food safety, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, mining, renewable energy, digital transformation, transport and logistics. Cooperation in AYUSH, tourism, education and skill development is also expected to feature in the talks.

Food Safety Cooperation

A key outcome expected during the Joint Commission meeting is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on food safety between Morocco’s National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The proposed agreement is aimed at facilitating the exchange of information on the safety and quality of imported food products. It is also expected to encourage cooperation between food-testing laboratories and facilitate the sharing of expertise on analytical methods.

The agreement would provide scope for technical exchanges covering import procedures, quality-control operations, sampling, testing, packaging and labelling.

Cultural Cooperation

India and Morocco are also expected to sign a Cultural Exchange Programme covering the period from 2026 to 2030.

The programme is intended to strengthen cultural ties through exchanges of artists and professionals, participation in festivals and exhibitions, cooperation in heritage conservation and closer institutional links between museums, libraries and archival organisations.

Bilateral Trade Nears $4 Billion

India and Morocco have maintained longstanding economic ties, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching around $4 billion in 2025.

India’s major exports to Morocco include refined petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, synthetic textiles, food products and spices. Morocco, meanwhile, is an important source of phosphates and fertilizers for India.

The focus on fertilizers assumes particular importance given their significance for India’s agricultural sector and food security. Expanding cooperation in fertilizer production and supply is therefore expected to be an important component of the economic discussions.

Business Community Engagement

During his visit, Prasada is also scheduled to hold bilateral and high-level meetings with senior Moroccan leaders. He will participate in the India-Morocco Joint Business Forum and interact with business representatives in Rabat.

The engagements are expected to focus on identifying opportunities for new investments, partnerships, joint ventures and greater business-to-business cooperation.

The two countries are also looking to expand their economic relationship beyond traditional trade areas, with sectors such as renewable energy, digital transformation, healthcare, logistics and industrial cooperation offering potential for deeper engagement.

70 Years of Diplomatic Ties

The visit comes ahead of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Morocco in 2027. Both countries are expected to use the milestone to further strengthen their longstanding partnership.

For India, Morocco also offers an important gateway to markets in Africa and beyond, while closer economic engagement could provide Moroccan businesses with greater access to the Indian market.

The August 24–25 visit is therefore expected to strengthen the institutional framework for bilateral economic cooperation and provide fresh momentum to trade, investment, industrial partnerships and business ties between the two countries.

Jaishankar Urges BRICS to Deepen Cooperation, Push Reforms

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called upon BRICS nations to find practical ways to deal with the fallout of ongoing global conflicts, economic volatility, and trade disruptions, even as India advances institutional reforms to accommodate the grouping’s expanded membership.

Opening the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here, Jaishankar emphasised that the bloc must play a constructive and stabilising role amid growing uncertainty in international relations. The meeting at Bharat Mandapam brought together foreign ministers from core members including Russia, Brazil, and Iran, along with partner countries.

Time of considerable flux

“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks. “Ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate are shaping the global landscape.”

He noted that developing nations and emerging markets are increasingly looking to BRICS for stability and workable solutions. The minister stressed the need to reflect on global and regional developments and explore concrete steps to strengthen cooperation.

Institutional reforms under Indian chair

As the current chair, India has prioritised building a more inclusive and effective framework. Jaishankar highlighted progress in discussions on institutional development, including updating mechanisms to better integrate new members.

“It is essential for the smooth advancement of BRICS that later members fully appreciate and subscribe to BRICS’ consensus on various important issues,” he said.

Officials indicated that India’s chairmanship has already facilitated over 80 BRICS meetings involving all member states since January. This is India’s fourth stint at the helm, following previous summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021.

Development challenges in focus

Ministers are expected to address pressing issues affecting many countries, particularly in energy, food, fertiliser, and health security, as well as access to finance. Jaishankar said BRICS can help members respond more effectively to these challenges.

He also underlined the importance of reliable supply chains and diversified markets for building economic resilience in the face of global disruptions.

Climate, tech and equitable growth

Climate change figured prominently in the discussions. The minister called for sustainable development efforts guided by principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

On technology, Jaishankar pointed to the rapid pace of change and the need to harness innovations for inclusive growth and better governance.

Peace, security and counterterrorism

Peace and security issues remained central to the conversations. Recent conflicts have reinforced the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, Jaishankar noted. There was also strong emphasis on strengthening cooperation against terrorism, an area of shared interest among members.

The presence of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov added weight to discussions on geopolitical challenges.

Looking ahead

The two-day meeting, scheduled for May 14 and 15, forms part of broader consultations on global economic governance, development priorities, and current geopolitical realities. Outcomes are expected to feed into further BRICS processes under India’s presidency.

Analysts see the gathering as an opportunity for the expanded bloc to demonstrate its relevance in a fragmented world order. With multiple partner countries participating, the focus remains on practical coordination rather than grand declarations.

Local diplomatic circles in New Delhi described the meeting as business-like, with delegations working through detailed agendas on multilateral reform and economic cooperation. Many observers believe successful institutional adjustments will determine how effectively BRICS can deliver on expectations of emerging economies.

As global attention remains fixed on multiple conflict zones and economic headwinds, India’s push for pragmatic cooperation reflects its longstanding approach of seeking inclusive solutions through platforms like BRICS.