India-Afghanistan Joint Working Group Reviews Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation

Key facts

• The India-Afghanistan Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade, Commerce and Investment convened a virtual meeting on September erse 1, erse 2026.
• The meeting reviewed existing measures and identified new avenues for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation between India and Afghanistan.
• Officials from both nations, representing commerce, industry, customs, regulatory bodies, and diplomatic missions, participated in the deliberations.
• Key discussion areas included trade facilitation, customs cooperation, visa procedures for Afghan traders, banking and financial collaborations, pharmaceutical and agricultural trade, energy cooperation, investment promotion, and business-to-business connections.
• The JWG also addressed tariff concessions, cargo connectivity, and port-related efficiencies.
• Both delegations committed to implementing follow-up actions, with enhanced customs procedures, data-sharing mechanisms, and regulatory alignment in pharmaceuticals and agriculture highlighted as priorities.
• Both sides agreed to maintain continuous dialogue and engagement to address ongoing issues and explore future collaborative projects.