Indian Investors Eye Afghanistan’s Mineral Sector

DID Press: Afghan officials under the Taliban have reported that a group of Indian traders has expressed interest in investing in Afghanistan’s mining sector, particularly copper and iron.

Hussamuddin Sabri, Deputy for Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, welcomed the initiative and said the ministry is ready to provide the necessary facilities and cooperate within existing regulations. Indian representatives reportedly evaluated the investment conditions as favorable.

The move comes as the Taliban have previously criticized delays by a Chinese company in extracting copper from the Aynak mine and urged full implementation of contractual obligations. Afghan officials stressed that the Chinese company has committed to fulfill its agreement.

Over the past four years, the Taliban have focused on exploiting Afghanistan’s natural resources, aiming to secure a significant portion of their revenue through mining concessions. However, critics have raised concerns over transparency and long-term implications, warning that managing the country’s mineral wealth without legal frameworks and national oversight could harm public interests.