A high-level Afghan delegation met officials of the Ministry of Textiles in New Delhi on Monday to explore possibilities for expanding bilateral cooperation in the textile sector.
The delegation, led by Shafiullah Azam, Director General of Economic Relations, held discussions with A. Bipin Menon, Trade Advisor to the Government of India. The talks focused on strengthening Afghanistan’s textile ecosystem, generating employment, and improving training facilities for farmers entering the cotton and textile value chain.
According to official data shared during the meeting, India was the second-largest supplier of textiles and apparel to Afghanistan in 2024, exporting goods worth USD 68.7 million. Afghanistan imported USD 742.8 million in textiles and apparel globally in the same year. The visiting delegation expressed interest in drawing on India’s experience as the world’s second-largest cotton producer to upgrade domestic capabilities.
Both sides reviewed proposals for technical support and skill development for Afghan cotton farmers, facilitation of shipments and visas, and enhanced engagement between textile industry bodies in the two countries. The Ministry of Textiles also encouraged Afghan participation in Bharat Tex 2026.