Air cargo seen as key to boosting Indo-Afghan trade via Amritsar airport

Experts at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Amritsar Zonal Council meeting highlighted the potential of air exports of farm produce to strengthen Indo-Afghan trade and support regional economic growth.

The session focused on Sri Guru Ram Dass International Airport, which last year handled just 972 metric tonnes of exports and 236 tonnes of imports, far below its capacity. Stakeholders noted delays caused by limited aircraft, short customs hours, and holidays.

Former Indian ambassador Navdeep Suri praised the session as the “finest granular interaction on trade” he had seen among Indian business chambers and proposed an Amritsar-Kabul-Dubai trade axis with frequent wide-bodied flights.

RahatCargo MD Sunil Kohli agreed to underwrite 1,500-1,800 tonnes of weekly cargo, provided swift clearances and suitable flights.

CII leaders emphasized that expanding perishable exports, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and value-added goods could become a major economic boost for the region, but required better coordination between airlines, customs, and airport authorities.

In November last year, an Indian foreign ministry official announced that air cargo services between India and Afghanistan will be launched soon.