India–Afghanistan Establish Joint Agricultural Working Group – SpecialEurasia

Executive Intelligence Snapshot India and Afghanistan have agreed to establish a joint working group to develop a long-term roadmap for cooperation in agriculture and livestock. The agreement formalises bilateral engagement through a standing mechanism focused on seed technology, irrigation and water management. Beyond its technical scope, the initiative signals continued political engagement between New Delhi and Kabul and is likely to support India’s efforts to preserve influence in Afghanistan amid regional competition. Context India and Afghanistan agreed to establish a joint working group following bilateral talks held in New Delhi on 7 July 2026 between India’s Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Mawlawi Ataullah Omari. According to India’s Ministry of Agriculture, the working group will facilitate regular institutional engagement and identify additional areas of cooperation based on the priorities of both governments. Afghanistan requested India’s support in transferring advanced seed technologies to increase wheat productivity. India offered to provide high-quality wheat, maize and potato seeds, including climate-resilient and biofortified crop varieties. Afghanistan also requested technical assistance in irrigation, rainwater harvesting and watershed development to address water shortages and climate-related pressures. India stated its willingness to share its technical expertise in these sectors.
Read More