In a major snub to Pakistan, which has choked the transit of goods between India and Afghanistan, the two countries have finally created an air freight corridor. The first flight, laden with Afghan merchandise (mainly agro products, specially dry fruits) is likely to fly into New Delhi from Kabul this weekend. The exact day of the flight is yet to be announced.
Foreign ministry officials said that the corridor was still being developed. The two countries would have to decide upon the frequency of these flights, which would obviously depend on the quantum of trade.
The move is symbolic and pointed towards Pakistan. During his visit to India last year, Afghan president Ashraf Ghani had noted how trade between the two countries via the Wagah border was consistently being blocked by Pakistan and he had said that land was not the only connector. The two countries were breaking their heads over coming up with a fitting reply to the Pakistani blocade and this flight could mark the beginning of new trade routes between them.
