Afghanistan Minister's India Visit: Afghanistan's Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi is currently visiting India to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. His visit to India is gaining prominence, as the Taliban government in Afghanistan has openly expressed its intention to welcome back Hindu–Sikh families who fled the country.
During his visit, he invited Indian companies to invest in Afghanistan, promising a supportive environment for trade and business partnerships. Highlighting sectors such as mining, agriculture, health and medicine, IT, energy, and textiles, Azizi emphasised the significant opportunities available. He also encouraged active participation from Afghanistan’s Sikh and Hindu communities, reaffirming his country’s commitment to an inclusive, peaceful, and business-friendly environment for all stakeholders.
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What Taliban government offer?
According to Azizi, Afghanistan will offer several incentives, including a one per cent duty on raw materials and machinery, free land allotment, reliable electricity supply. The major offer that the minister made is the five-year tax exemption for new businesses. This proposal is likely to attract more business to the Taliban-ruled country.
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Azizi's pitch explicitly stated that Afghanistan needs Hindu and Sikh skills in trade and healthcare. He reaffirmed his country's commitment to ensuring an inclusive, peaceful, and business-friendly environment for all stakeholders.
Air cargo services will commence soon
It is noteworthy that India and Afghanistan have agreed on a number of measures to enhance bilateral trade, which currently stands at approximately US$1 billion. Meanwhile, the Indian government has stated that air cargo services between India and Afghanistan will commence soon.
Why the move from the Taliban government?
It should be noted that the practical change in the approach of the Taliban can be viewed as the country faces increasing economic isolation and the complex diplomatic challenges throughout. It is not a sudden change in ideology toward being more inclusive, but rather can be considered a strategic response to economic difficulties. According to the United States Institute of Peace, Afghanistan’s economy is in a fragile and unstable state, referred to as a "low-level equilibrium".
Taliban Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India in October 2025
In October, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the ‘Foreign Minister’ of the Taliban administration, visited India and held talks with government officials and representatives from the business sector. This was the first visit by a Taliban minister since the group took control of Afghanistan four years ago. The two countries have upgraded ties since, with India reopening its embassy in Kabul that was shut in 2021.
During his visit, Muttaqi assured Afghan Sikhs and Hindus of the restoration of their places of worship and security under Taliban rule. This assurance came after minority groups representing Afghan Hindus and Sikhs urged the Taliban to renovate and protect gurdwaras and temples in the country. The move was seen as a targeted gesture toward India. Indian officials described this as a "positive gesture," according to Times of India reports, which could encourage investments in mining and energy. Analysts say it forms part of a broader strategy of deeper engagement.
Taliban Regime in Afghanistan
The Taliban government is facing worldwide criticism for persecuting minorities. In 2022, IS-Khorasan attacked gurdwaras, and there are reportedly rules limiting the freedoms of non-Sunni groups. According to a Human Rights Watch report, the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), the Islamic State’s (ISIS) affiliate in Afghanistan, has repeatedly attacked Hazaras and other religious minorities at their mosques, schools, and workplaces.
Moreover, a 2024 U.S. State Department report also documented minority property seizures and fears of mistreatment. In 2025, the UN Human Rights Rapporteur said that the attack on minorities and their properties forced people to flee from Afghanistan. By welcoming Hindus and Sikhs back to the country, and promising an inclusive environment, the Taliban is trying to improve its image internationally.