Wagah border closure halts India-bound Afghan truck shipments

Due to deteriorating relations between Pakistan and India, the Wagah-Attari border has been closed. Consequently, the transport of goods from Afghanistan to India has been interrupted, leaving 12 Afghan trucks stranded at the Attari border.

Afghanistan mainly exports dry fruits, various spices, and almonds to India. Most of the almonds come from Afghanistan. Due to growing health awareness, demand for almonds has increased, and the price has risen from 600 taka to 1,000 taka per kilogram. The supply disruption has also caused prices of pistachios and walnuts to rise, affecting markets in both India and Afghanistan.

Khalidur Rahmani, spokesperson for the Kabul Dry Fruits Exporters Union, expressed strong frustration over the situation. He said, "If this border remains closed, fresh and dry fruits cannot be sent to India. Even if the border is closed, at least trucks carrying goods should be allowed to enter."

Earlier, when the border was temporarily opened on May 9, 162 trucks were able to enter India, allowing a significant amount of goods to be imported. However, the border was closed again afterward. The Indian government planned to use the Wagah-Chabahar land port as an alternative route, but due to ongoing conflicts in Iran, this plan is now uncertain. As a result, Rahmani and other Afghan traders are requesting permission for trucks to cross by road.

Meanwhile, the fruit season is approaching. Many types of fruits are produced in Afghanistan at this time, most of which are exported to India. Umid Haidari, head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Agriculture, said, "If the alternative route is not opened soon, traders in both countries will face huge losses."

Fruit trader Mehbullah Mohammadi said, "There is great demand in India for Afghan dry fruits, especially pine nuts (chilgoza) and almonds."

"Currently, these nuts are stuck packed in trucks. Since air routes between the two countries are also closed, if the Indian government does not take quick action, Afghan traders will suffer major losses," he added.