India’s Dry Fruit Imports from Afghanistan Hit by Border Closures Amid Rising Tensions:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : After the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack that resulted in 26 casualties, India has taken severe steps by shutting down the Attari land-transit post, a critical trade artery for certain commodities, most notably dry fruits.

In response, Pakistan proclaimed a complete halt of all trading activities with India—including goods going to Afghanistan and vice-versa through Pakistan.

Afghanistan: A Major Supplier of Dry Fruits to India

India imports a considerable份 of dry fruits such as almonds, raisins, fresh apricots, and pistachios from Afghanistan, some of which also come through Islamabad.

Key figures for 2024-25 (April–January):

India's imports from Afghanistan: 591.49 million USD
Dry fruits share: 358 million USD
Imports from Pakistan: Negligible at 0.08 million USD

Dried figs, asafoetida, saffron, and pistachios are regularly imported through the Attari- Wagah border near Amritsar, Punjab.

Traders and Importers Brace for Price Surge

In the opinion of Rajiv Batra, head of the Khari Baoli Traders’ Association in Delhi.

“Even though immediate consequences are insignificant as the goods still remain in transit. In roughly ten days, due to the blockade, imports will be stopped entirely.”

He has warned the markets in Delhi would surge by 20% once the supply outstrips the demand.

Other Paths are Also Being Considered

Importers from Afghanistan now possibly need to redirect shipments of dry fruits through:

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Iran

Iraq

Although these other routes might help fix the problem, specialists warn that the expenses related to fuel, movement of goods, and the time taken to deliver the products will increase the costs to the consumers ahead.