Ghani Inaugurates First Air Corridor Between Afghan-India

President Ashraf Ghani has inaugurated the first Afghanistan-India air corridor, with the first flight carrying 60 tons of medicinal plants worth $11 million.

Ghani called the opening of this corridor beneficial for economic growth of the country and a big achievement for getting rid of crisis.

“Those who create crisis for us must know that we change the crisis to opportunities. Our aim is to change Afghanistan into a exporter country,” said President Ghani.

Indian ambassador to Kabul also expressed optimism over the opening of the air corridor and stressed on more cooperation with Afghanistan.

“We again commit to continue our cooperation and we are proud to work with you,” said Indian ambassador to Kabul.

Currently the trade level between Afghanistan and India reaches to $ 500 million annually.

President’s adviser Sediqullah Mujadedi said Afghan agricultural products will for the first time head to India on cargo planes.

Mujadedi said the first India-bound flight on Monday included 60 tons of natural plants; a second flight will follow, with 40 tons of dry fruits to be sent form Kandahar province.

The Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has also welcomed the first Air Freight Corridor flight from Kabul to India. Prime Minister thanked Afghan President H.E. Ashraf Ghani for the initiative.

“Happy to welcome the first Air Freight Corridor flight from Kabul.

Direct connectivity between India and Afghanistan will usher prosperity. I thank President Ashraf Ghani for the initiative”, the Prime Minister said.

he first Afghanistan-India air corridor is a direct route that bypasses Pakistan.