The Taliban has announced that two Indian businessmen have proposed a mining project in Panjshir. The proposal was made during an emerald auction in the province, according to the Taliban’s Information and Culture Directorate.
Mohammad Agha Hakim, the Taliban’s governor in Panjshir, welcomed the proposal and expressed readiness to cooperate.
In a statement, the Taliban’s Information and Culture Directorate reported that the group sold 15,552 carats of emeralds from Panjshir’s mines on Tuesday, generating $328,950 in revenue. The statement added that Indian gemstone traders have shown interest in Afghanistan’s investment opportunities under Taliban rule.
For over three years, the Taliban has regularly auctioned Panjshir emeralds. However, a recent survey among Panjshir residents revealed that 90 percent of respondents believe the Taliban is exploiting the province’s mines without any profits benefiting locals.
This marks the first time the Taliban has disclosed an investment plan from Indian businessmen in Panjshir’s mining sector.
India is strengthening ties with the Taliban. It has accepted some Taliban diplomats and plans to hand over Afghanistan’s embassy in Delhi to the group’s representatives.
