Jaishankar holds talks with Afghan minister, Australian Foreign Minister

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday held separate meetings with Afghanistan’s Industry and Commerce Minister, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong here during which he discussed ways to strengthen trade and economic issues with them.

During his meeting with Azizi, Jaishankar held discussions on strengthening bilateral trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.

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In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Pleased to meet Industry and Commerce Minister of Afghanistan, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi in New Delhi this evening. Discussed ways to strengthen our trade, connectivity and people to people ties. Reiterated India’s support for the development and welfare of the people of Afghanistan.”

Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday on an official visit to India. The visit of high-ranking government delegation from Afghanistan is aimed to activate and effectively utilise the capacities of India-developed Chabahar Port in Iran and attract more investments.

Meanwhile, during 16th India-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue here, Jaishankar stressed that trade and investment linkages between India and Australia have also grown steadily and expressed hope that the ongoing negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement would be concluded soon.

Jaishankar also expressed appreciation for Australia’s support for India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission. He also welcomed Australia’s plans to launch its satellite from an Indian launch vehicle.

Emphasising the current complex geopolitical situation, the EAM said democracies like India and Australia carry greater responsibility.

“There are common challenges for us to address, including maritime security, resilient supply chains, or for that matter, countering terrorism and ensuring climate action. So it is essential that we sustain a strong momentum in our ties, that we deliver tangible outcomes, that we work together to achieve this through shared regional and global priorities,” he said.

“As we mark five years of that partnership, the warmth and the ease of cooperation are there for all to witness. We have seen a remarkable expansion across all pillars of cooperation, including trade and investment, defence and security, education and skills, research and innovation, Science, Technology, space, energy and so on.

“But most of all, in our vibrant People to People links. Our growing partnership obviously owes much to the guidance and vision of our Prime Ministers,” Jaishankar said while making his opening remarks at the Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue in New Delhi alongside Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.