Delhi's 'Mini Kabul' gasps as Afghan imports impacted on Attari-Wagah route

Credit: @tourism_delhi / X

The escalating diplomatic row between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack has disrupted one of the country’s most historic trade arteries - the Attari-Wagah land route - and sent prices soaring at Old Delhi’s famed Khari Baoli market, according to a report by The Indian Express.

Home to generations-old traders dealing in exotic spices, herbs and dry fruits, Khari Baoli — often called “Mini Kabul” due to its heavy reliance on Afghan imports — is now grappling with a sharp shortage of key items like almonds, raisins and figs.

The crisis unfolded after Pakistan suspended all trade - including transit trade with third countries - on April 24, two days after the deadly terror strike in Jammu & Kashmir. India, in response, shut down the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari-Wagah border, halting trade worth nearly Rs 3,886 crore annually. The Attari route has been India's only land access point for trading with Afghanistan.

With over 85% of Khari Baoli’s dry fruit supply dependent on Afghanistan - which hosts Asia’s largest dry fruit mandi - traders are now scrambling to manage the disruption.

“Earlier, dry fruits from Afghanistan reached us within 9 to 10 days at a cost of just Rs 20 to Rs 40 per kg, depending on quantity,” Rajan Bhargava, president of the Khari Baoli Traders’ Association, was quoted by The Indian Express as saying. “Now, if we airlift the cargo, the cost shoots up to a minimum of Rs 200 per kg.”

Airlifting, however, is hardly a viable solution. Following a tit-for-tat exchange of restrictions, both India and Pakistan have barred each other’s flights from their respective airspaces since April 30, virtually closing the skies.

The immediate impact has been felt in the form of rising prices and supply insecurity. However, Praveen Khandelwal, Chandni Chowk MP and secretary-general of the Confederation of All India Traders, told The Indian Express that any inflation is likely to be temporary. He said stocks are limited but traders will find alternatives once they run out and if the situation continues, domestic production can be increased or new sourcing countries explored.

Meanwhile, Afghan-origin gurbandi almonds, once sold at Rs 700 per kg, now retail for Rs 850. Sundekhani kishmish (a variety of raisins) has climbed from Rs 400 to Rs 600 per kg. Figs have gone up by Rs 150, while munakka (another type of raisin) is now costlier by Rs 60–70 per kg.

According to The Indian Express, the price surge extends beyond Afghan imports, with California almonds and Iranian mamra varieties rising by Rs 230 per kg. Traders said the hike has triggered a domino effect, pushing up prices even for items unaffected by supply issues, leading to hoarding and panic buying.

Adding to the strain, calls to boycott Turkish goods - over Turkey’s perceived support for Pakistan - have disrupted imports of khas khas and hazelnuts. Both, previously shipped via sea, have seen steep increases: khas khas is now Rs 1,550 per kg (up from Rs 1,300) and hazelnuts have risen to Rs 1,500 from Rs 1,300.