Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaki and Indian Foreign Minister S. A day after the important meeting between Jaishankar, India has taken a big step towards increasing trade relations with Afghanistan. India has allowed 160 Afghani trucks to enter the country through the Attari border. These trucks will come to India mainly with dry fruits. Muttaki had called Jaishankar himself on May 16, when he was on his way to Iran and China. India considers it an important diplomatic signal. India has also expressed gratitude to the Afghan leadership for condemning the Pahalgam attack by the Taliban and not joining the rumors being spread by Pakistan (such as India firing missiles at Afghanistan).
Attari Check Post Closed After Terrorist Attack
It is significant that the Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP) was temporarily closed after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22nd April. This affected the supply of products coming from Afghanistan. On 16 May, the Indian government allowed five trucks of dry fruits to reach Attari, marking the beginning of the reactivation of the supply route. Now the simultaneous approval of 160 trucks provides a new momentum in Indo-Afghan trade relations.
8 trucks enter India’s Attari Integrated Check Post
Following the reduction in military tension and ceasefire between India and Pakistan on May 10, 8 trucks from Afghanistan entered India’s Attari Integrated Check Post on Friday. These trucks were among the 150 that were stranded between Lahore and Wagah border in Pakistan since April 24. These trucks mainly carried dry fruits like almonds, walnuts etc. These were ordered by traders from India in advance on payment in advance. If they were not released in time, there was a danger of spoilage.
Pakistan initially blocked, then conceded
According to sources, Pakistan initially delayed the clearance of trucks at the Wagah border, but later some of them were allowed to unload goods at Atari. It is noteworthy that after the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 26, India closed the Attari-Wagah trade route.
Unfinished projects to resume
Although Pakistan has allowed India to trade only one-way (i.e. only Afghan goods can enter India, not India), India remains the largest market for Afghan products in South Asia. Annual trade between the two countries has reached about 1 billion dollars. After Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s meeting with Muttaki in Dubai, India is planning to restart its unfinished projects in Afghanistan. India is also considering increasing development work and humanitarian assistance for Afghan citizens.
How much aid has been sent from India to Afghanistan so far?
At the end of 2021, Pakistan exceptionally allowed India to send 50,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan, which was an aid to the drought-stricken country. The Taliban then pressured Pakistan not to block humanitarian aid.
- 50,000 tons of wheat
- 350 tons of medicines
- 40,000 liters of Malathion (pesticide)
- 28 tons of earthquake relief materials
- 2000 Online Scholarships for Afghan Students
Taliban not recognized, but business continues
Although India has not officially recognized the Taliban government, but this step is considered important from a strategic and economic point of view. Despite the current situation, Afghanistan remains a major export market in South Asia for India, with annual trade between the two countries worth about $1 billion. India has made it clear that formal recognition will not be granted until the Taliban meets global demands such as an inclusive government and lifting of restrictions on women. But contact and cooperation will continue.
Source: m.punjabkesari.in