India has banned the direct or indirect import of goods from Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. “The direct or indirect import or transit of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders,” a circular from the Ministry of Trade and Commerce read.
“This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition shall require prior approval of the Government of India,” the circular read further.
Ten days have passed since the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. So far, India has taken several measures against Pakistan, which is learnt to have had a direct hand in the attack. These measures include suspension of all visas, reduction of Embassy strength, ouster of military diplomats, and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
The import ban is the latest of such measures.
India-Pakistan Trade
The net value of the trade between India and Pakistan was Rs 3,886.53 crore in 2023–24. This was, in fact, the highest in the past five years. Pakistan’s trade took a major hit when India imposed a 200% duty on Pakistani goods, following the Pulwama attack.
India’s latest move will hurt Pakistan severely as its net trade value is already in negative and the external debt is at $22 billion. Over the last 5 years, India-Pakistan has come down to around around $2 billion.
Ban On Pakistani Ships
Additionally, India has banned Pakistani ships from docking at Indian ports. A circular from the Directorate General of Shipping read: “Any ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian port.” Moreover, Indian ships are also forbidden from visiting any port in Pakistan.
With borders and airspace closed for each other and the ban on ships, all trade between India and Pakistan is essentially over as of now.
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