India and Afghanistan have held high-level discussions aimed at expanding cooperation across the cotton and textile value chain, with both sides exploring opportunities for capacity-building, trade facilitation and stronger industry linkages.
The Afghan delegation, led by Shafiullah Azam, Director General of Economic Relations, met the Indian side headed by A. Bipin Menon, Trade Advisor in the Ministry of Textiles, on Sunday. The talks centred on strengthening Afghanistan’s textile ecosystem, generating employment, and expanding training support for farmers entering cotton cultivation and other segments of the textile industry.
The Ministry of Textiles said the meeting underscored the strong complementarities between the two countries. India has become the second-largest supplier of textiles and apparel to Afghanistan, exporting goods worth US $ 68.7 million in 2024.
Afghanistan expressed interest in drawing on India’s expertise as the world’s second-largest cotton producer, particularly in the areas of technical guidance, farmer training and skill development throughout the value chain. The discussions also covered trade facilitation, visa processes, shipment support, and enhanced collaboration between industry bodies.
The Ministry of Textiles said the delegations had engaged in constructive talks to enhance collaboration and had identified significant opportunities ranging from farmer training to smoother trade facilitation. The ministry noted that both sides viewed the talks as productive and forward-looking.
