May 17, 2025 | Attari-Wagah Border, Punjab
Even as tensions between India and Pakistan remain high following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, New Delhi has taken a humanitarian and diplomatic leap by allowing the entry of around 150 Afghan trucks stranded at the Attari-Wagah border since April 24. The decision reflects India’s intention to maintain its long-standing ties with the Afghan people, despite the regional unrest.
On Friday, May 16, the first batch of eight trucks carrying dry fruits from Afghanistan officially crossed into India through the Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP), marking a significant moment in South Asian diplomacy. These trucks, immobilised in no-man’s-land between Lahore and Wagah for over two weeks, were among 150 vehicles caught in the crossfire of heightened geopolitical tensions.
A Gesture Amidst Ceasefire
The development came after India and Pakistan agreed to a temporary ceasefire on May 10, which has now been extended to May 18. This truce followed Operation Sindoor, a military operation launched by India on May 7 in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror strike. The ceasefire window is a crucial opportunity to de-escalate military tensions and resume humanitarian and trade-related activities.
By permitting Afghan trucks to cross into India, the Indian government has demonstrated a commitment to preserving regional stability and trade, especially with Afghanistan, whose economic ties with India have been severely tested since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
India Opens Doors, Pakistan Reluctant
While India has shown goodwill by facilitating the movement of stranded Afghan trucks, Pakistan has been less accommodating. According to traders and official sources, Pakistani authorities had initially halted the clearance of these trucks, compounding the anxiety of Afghan exporters and Indian importers.
It was only after repeated requests from the Afghan embassy in Islamabad that Pakistan agreed to allow the 150 Afghan trucks, which had entered its territory before April 25, to proceed toward the Indian border.
Confirming the entry of the first eight trucks, BK Bajaj, President of the Indo-Foreign Chamber of Commerce, expressed gratitude towards all three governments. “Eight trucks have come to the Indian side. Others are expected to come soon. We thank the Governments of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan,” he said.
Traders Breathe a Sigh of Relief
The prolonged delay had taken a toll on Indian and Afghan traders, particularly those dealing in semi-perishable goods like dry fruits. Mukesh Sidhwani, a prominent dry fruit trader from Amritsar, underlined the urgency of resuming trade. “The quality of the goods was deteriorating. Every additional day of delay translated into massive losses,” he said.
Sidhwani also noted that this trade route is crucial for Punjab’s local economy. “Thousands of people, including porters, drivers, customs agents, and dhaba owners, depend on this trade route. Leaving the ICP underutilised hurts everyone.”
He further added that on a regular day, 40–50 trucks cross the Attari-Wagah route, which facilitates nearly 90 percent of Indo-Afghan trade. However, due to current tensions, clearance is expected to be slower.
India-Taliban Diplomatic Ties Strengthen
The resumption of Afghan truck entry into India coincides with a landmark moment in India-Afghanistan relations. On May 16, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held his first-ever ministerial-level conversation with the Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. This marked the first official high-level contact since the Taliban assumed power in Kabul in August 2021.
Jaishankar, in a statement on X,
During their discussion, both leaders explored ways to strengthen cooperation in trade and development. The Taliban foreign minister expressed hope for deeper relations with India, describing it as an “important regional country.” He also appealed for the facilitation of Indian visas for Afghan traders and patients, and requested the repatriation of Afghan prisoners currently in India.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
India has yet to recognise the Taliban regime officially but has maintained functional ties, especially in areas of humanitarian support and trade. The last time a ministerial-level conversation took place between India and the Taliban was during the IC-814 hijacking crisis in 1999–2000.
With this renewed contact, India is signaling a pragmatic approach toward Afghanistan, focusing on people-centric policies and economic engagement. This is not only a boost for Afghan traders but also a stabilising force in a volatile region.
The clearance of Afghan trucks could pave the way for improved trade flows and diplomatic recalibrations in South Asia. However, much will depend on how long the ceasefire holds and whether India and Pakistan can manage their differences through dialogue rather than conflict.
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