Afghanistan
Emerging Strategic Trade and Development Partner
- Band cut
- ≥ 40
- Countries in band
- 104
The seven measures behind Afghanistan's 44
Each is scored 0–100, where higher is always better. Open a row to read the analysis behind its number.
| Measure | Score | Position on 0–100 |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | ||
| 88 | ||
| 64 | ||
| 35 | ||
| 0 | ||
| 30 | ||
| 5 |
Bonus considerations — useful, but they do not affect the score
These two are worked out for every country as context for a trip. They are not part of the 44 above, and nothing here can move it in either direction.
Higher means cheaper for an Indian traveller.
Higher means easier to eat vegetarian.
Why Afghanistan?
The standing assessment behind the public sentiment reading of 88, rewritten at each refresh.
Relations between India and Afghanistan continue to exhibit a strong positive sentiment, sustaining and further solidifying exceptional warmth. This is driven by consistent high-level diplomatic engagement, explicit positive rhetoric from Afghan officials, India's unwavering humanitarian and developmental support, and a growing public desire for deeper ties with India. The deteriorating relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan further accentuates India's role as a trusted and appealing partner.
1. Diplomatic & Official Rhetoric: Diplomatic engagement has remained highly proactive and positive within the last 30 days. The visit of Afghanistan's acting Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, to India from July 7-12, 2026, underscored the desire for broader Indian support in modernizing Afghanistan's agricultural sector. Omari explicitly referred to India as a 'longtime friend' and praised the 'warm welcome' received, directly reinforcing India's status as a 'trusted friend'. This marked the fourth such ministerial-level visit from Afghanistan since October 2025, indicating sustained bilateral momentum. Furthermore, the 4th round of the India-Afghanistan Joint Committee Meeting on July 9, 2026, reviewed a comprehensive range of bilateral relations, with the Afghan side appreciating India's sustained support across various sectors. India has continued its firm stance in defending Afghanistan on international platforms, strongly condemning recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory in early July and reiterating its 'strong support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Afghanistan'. Moreover, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) and the Indian Embassy in Kabul engaged in discussions on July 18, 2026, to expand trade, improve logistics, and ease visa procedures for traders, signaling continued economic cooperation.
Reasons to visit
Afghanistan, a land steeped in millennia of history, presents a truly unique proposition for the most intrepid and historically-minded Indian traveler. While specific current travel metrics like Friendliness Index, Safety Score, and Popularity Score were not provided in this analysis, it's crucial for any potential visitor to understand the current complexities of travel to the region. However, for those captivated by ancient civilizations, the Silk Road's legacy, and a profound cultural tapestry, Afghanistan offers an unparalleled journey back in time. It holds deep historical and cultural ties with India, evident in its ancient Gandharan art and Buddhist heritage. This isn't a destination for a casual holiday, but rather for those seeking an immersive experience into a land that has shaped empires, nurtured poets, and stood as a crossroads of civilizations. Its rugged landscapes, ancient ruins, and the resilience of its people offer a profound narrative that can be incredibly rewarding for a niche traveler dedicated to historical and cultural exploration.
Where Indian travellers go
- 1Kabul (Gardens of Babur, Darul Aman Palace, National Museum of Afghanistan)
- 2Bamiyan Valley (Site of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, Shahr-e Gholghola, Band-e-Amir National Park)
- 3Herat (Herat Citadel, Blue Mosque/Shrine of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, Gawharshad's Mausoleum)
Worth knowing
- Afghanistan's strategic location made it a crucial part of the ancient Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between East and West for centuries.
- The country was once a significant center for Buddhism, evidenced by the monumental (though largely destroyed) Buddhas of Bamiyan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing a rich syncretic culture.
- Buzkashi, meaning 'goat pulling' in Persian, is the national sport of Afghanistan, a fascinating and often intense equestrian team sport played across Central Asia.
In the record
- Band
- Neutral / Developing
- Trade rank
- 78
- Trade volume
- $0.9B
- Share of India’s trade
- 0.08%
- GDP
- $17.8B