AFGHANISTAN’S commercial landscape is undergoing significant changes due to the recent standoff between Pakistan and Afghanistan. For decades, Afghanistan used Pakistan as a gateway for international trade, being a landlocked country. The border crossings at Torkham and Chaman functioned as essential conduits for Afghan exporters and importers, connecting them to the ports of Karachi and the broader international marketplace. However, a pattern of persistent border closures, primarily due to cross-border terrorism from the Afghan side, escalating political tensions and rising tariffs, has compelled Kabul to pursue alternative solutions. The most recent transition, as evidenced by current trade data, indicates that Afghanistan is reallocating a substantial share of its imports and exports to Iran’s Chabahar Port and Central Asian routes, thereby diminishing its reliance on Pakistan.

The Chabahar Port in southeastern Iran, constructed with significant Indian investment, has become a strategic alternative. The volume of trade through Chabahar in October and November rose more than 40 per cent compared to the mid-2024 level. Trucks transporting agricultural commodities, dried fruits and minerals are now travelling westward through Herat and Nimruz rather than continuing east towards Spin Boldak. Afghan traders recognize reliability and consistent customs procedures as the primary motivating factors. Although Iranian sanctions have occasionally posed challenges, Tehran’s flexibility concerning Afghan transit trade, coupled with India’s logistical assistance, has established Chabahar as a viable option.

Central Asia is increasingly acquiring strategic importance. The Uzbek-Afghan border at Termez has evolved........

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