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India’s big step to ban all imports from Pakistan comes after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where 26 tourists were killed. Pakistan had suspended trade with India.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack. (PTI)
In another significant move against Pakistan, India has banned the direct or indirect import of all Pakistani goods with immediate effect, according to a notification from the Ministry of Commerce. This step followed the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
“Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders,” read the notification from the Ministry of Commerce dated May 2. A provision in this regard has been added to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) stated in the notification that this restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition will require the approval of the Government of India.
Notably, India had already closed the Wagah-Attari border, the sole trade route between India and Pakistan, in the aftermath of the barbaric attack in J&K’s Pahalgam on April 22 that led to a further deterioration in ties between the two neighbouring countries.
Main imports from the neighbouring country during April-January 2024-25 included fruits and nuts ($0.08 million), certain oil seeds and medicinal plants ($0.26 million), and organic chemicals. Exports and imports from Pakistan in 2023-24 were $1.18 billion and $2.88 million, respectively.
India Bans Pakistani-Flagged Ships From Ports
Furthermore, India has also banned Pakistani-flagged ships from entering Indian ports, according to an order from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. “A ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian port,” it read.
Moreover, Indian-flagged ships have also been forbidden to visit any ports in Pakistan. “This order is issued to ensure safety of Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure, in public interest and for interest of Indian shipping,” it said.
The latest order will remain in effect until further notice, as part of efforts to bolster security and ensure the smooth functioning of India’s maritime interests amid escalating tensions with Pakistan.
Pahalgam Terror Attack
In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage.
After the attack, India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan with a series of punitive measures, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, cutting Islamabad Mission strength, closing its airspace for Pakistani airlines, and expulsion of its military attaches. India also cancelled all visas of Pakistani nationals and gave a deadline to all those living in India to return home, including Pakistanis with medical visas.
In response, Pakistan suspended trade with India, which was already negligible since the abrogation of Article 370, and closed its airspace for Indian flights.
On Thursday, India also closed its airspace to all flights operated by Pakistan-based airlines. As per the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), Indian airspace is not available for Pakistan-registered aircraft and any aircraft operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines or operators-including military flights. Restrictions will remain in place till May 23.
Flights of Pakistan International Airlines, the national carrier, are being rerouted via China for destinations like Kuala Lumpur, leading to added time and costs.
(with agency inputs)
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