New Delhi:In a strong response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Indian government has imposed a complete ban on all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan. The Ministry of Commerce issued a notification stating that the decision has come into immediate effect.
A new clause has been added to India’s Foreign Trade Policy, under which “the import or transit of any goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether directly or indirectly,” has been strictly prohibited. The ministry clarified that the move is aimed at safeguarding national security and public interest.
Pakistani Ships Barred from Indian Ports
In a related development, the Directorate General of Shipping has issued an order barring any vessel flying the Pakistani flag from entering Indian ports. The directive also restricts Indian-flagged ships from docking at any Pakistani port. The order emphasizes the importance of protecting Indian maritime assets, cargo, and related infrastructure.
What Does the Ban Mean?
This sweeping ban ensures that no goods can enter India from Pakistan—whether directly or through third countries. Until now, certain goods were being routed through Dubai, Singapore, or Colombo to bypass the restrictions. But under the new policy, even these indirect channels have been shut down.
Wagah-Attari Trade Route Already Closed
India had already suspended trade at the Wagah-Attari land border, which was the only land route for bilateral trade. In retaliation, Pakistan had also suspended all trade with India.
It is worth noting that in 2019, following the Pulwama attack, India revoked Pakistan’s ‘Most Favoured Nation’ (MFN) status. Since then, bilateral trade relations have steadily deteriorated.
Trade in Numbers
In FY 2023–24, trade worth ₹3,886.53 crore was recorded through the Attari-Wagah border. However, direct imports from Pakistan had already seen a sharp decline, with India importing just $3 million, primarily consisting of agricultural products.
Major Setback for Pakistan’s Pharma Industry
One of the most significant impacts of this move will be on Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector, which relies heavily on Indian medicines and raw materials. The sudden halt in trade has caused alarm in Pakistan, which is now scrambling to find alternative suppliers.
Other Strict Measures by India
- Indus Waters Treaty Suspended: India has suspended the 1960 treaty that governs the sharing of river waters between the two countries.
- Visa Revoked: India has canceled visa facilities for Pakistani citizens and ordered them to leave the country by May 1.
- Airspace Closed: Both countries have closed their airspace to each other’s flights. Air India, which has to take longer routes, has reportedly suffered losses worth $600 million, for which it has sought government compensation.
- Social Media Crackdown: India has blocked several Pakistani YouTube channels and social media accounts, including those of celebrities like Fawad Khan, Atif Aslam, and Babar Azam, for spreading inflammatory content.
Financial Pressure on Pakistan
India has launched diplomatic efforts to bring Pakistan back on the FATF grey list (Financial Action Task Force). It has also urged institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank to review financial assistance being extended to Pakistan.
Conclusion:-Through this bold and strategic move, India has once again sent a clear message that national security is non-negotiable. The comprehensive nature of these actions is likely to have a deep economic and strategic impact on Pakistan, while reinforcing India’s firm stand on cross-border terrorism.