Government dismisses claims of India suspending trade with Afghanistan

Tue Jan 13 09:33:30 UTC 2026: # India Denies Suspension of Trade with Afghanistan Amid Iranian Unrest

The Story:
On January 13, 2026, the Indian government refuted claims circulating on Pakistani social media that India had suspended trade operations with Afghanistan due to escalating unrest in Iran. The government clarified that a fabricated letter was being disseminated by Pakistani propaganda accounts. The Indian government affirmed trade continues as usual.

Key Points:

• The Indian government dismissed reports of suspended trade operations with Afghanistan as false.
• Pakistani social media accounts are accused of circulating a fabricated letter to support the claim.
• Unrest is reportedly widespread in Iran.
• In 2024-25, India’s exports to Afghanistan were valued at $318.91 million, while imports were $689.81 million.

Critical Analysis:
Given the broader context, including the agreement of Kuki-Zo groups to join the Manipur government with a rider, and the centre asking Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy to stop 10-minute delivery claims, this event appears to be an isolated incident of misinformation. It highlights the ongoing information warfare between India and Pakistan, particularly in relation to Afghanistan, and potentially Iran. It is likely meant to disrupt relations in the area..

Key Takeaways:

• Misinformation campaigns targeting India’s foreign relations are active.
• Pakistan continues to be a source of such misinformation, particularly concerning Afghanistan.
• India’s trade with Afghanistan remains a sensitive issue, vulnerable to manipulation.
• Fact-checking mechanisms (like PIB Fact Check) are crucial in countering such narratives.

Impact Analysis:
This incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance against disinformation, particularly in regions with complex geopolitical dynamics. The successful rebuttal by the Indian government demonstrates the importance of proactive communication strategies in maintaining stability and fostering trust in international relations. Failure to address false claims could erode confidence in trade partnerships and exacerbate regional tensions in the long term.

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