GS 2:IR| Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Why in News?

Afghanistan began exports to India through the Chabahar as the landlocked, war-torn nation turns to overseas markets to improve its economy.

Afghan Exports to India:

• 23 trucks carrying 57 tonnes of dried fruits, textiles, carpets and mineral products were

dispatched from western Afghan city of Zaranj to Iran’s Chabahar port.

• The consignment will be shipped to the Indian city of Mumbai.
• The Iranian port provides easy access to the sea to Afghanistan and India has helped developed this route to allow both countries to engage in trade bypassing Pakistan.
• Afghanistan, a new trade partner:
• India has sent 1.1 million tonnes of wheat and 2,000 tonnes of lentils to Afghanistan through Chabahar.
• Both countries established an air corridor in 2017.
• Afghan exports to India stood at $740 million in 2018, making it the largest export destination.