India–Afghanistan Dialogue Focuses On Deepening Cooperation In Textile Sector

New Delhi, Nov 25 (KNN) A high-level Afghan delegation led by Shafiullah Azam, Director General, Economic Relations, met with an Indian team headed by A. Bipin Menon, Trade Advisor, Ministry of Textiles, in New Delhi on 24 November 2025 to discuss opportunities for expanding cooperation in the textile sector.

The Afghan side outlined its priorities, including strengthening the country’s textile ecosystem, expanding employment opportunities and improving training facilities for farmers entering the cotton and textile value chain.

India and Afghanistan share complementary strengths in textile trade. India, the second-largest supplier of textiles and apparel to Afghanistan, exported goods worth USD 68.7 million in 2024. 

Afghanistan, which imported USD 742.8 million in textiles and apparel globally in the same year, expressed interest in leveraging India’s capabilities as the world’s second-largest cotton producer.

During the discussions, both sides examined potential areas of collaboration such as technical support and training for Afghan cotton growers, improved shipment and visa facilitation, and enhanced engagement between industry organisations in the two countries. 

The Ministry of Textiles also encouraged Afghanistan to participate in Bharat Tex 2026.

The meeting concluded on an encouraging note, with both delegations recognising significant potential for expanding textile-sector cooperation in the years ahead.

(KNN Bureau)