New Delhi:
In another strict move against Pakistan, India has banned all imports from the neighbouring country amid soaring tensions over the Pahalgam terror attack. The decision has been taken in the interest of national security and public policy, the government said, stressing that it applies to all products in transit from Pakistan. Any exception must have the government’s approval, it added.
“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. 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,” said a notification by the Commerce Ministry.
The Wagah-Attari border, the sole trade route between India and Pakistan, had already been closed in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.
Imports from Pakistan primarily comprised pharma products, fruits, and oilseeds. It declined over the years since the 2019 Pulwama attack, with India imposing a 200% duty on Pakistani products. The latest data suggest that it was already negligible. It was less than 0.0001% of total imports in 2024-25, according to reports.
At least 26 civilians, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony guide operator, were massacred by terrorists in the scenic Baisaran meadow in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The relations between the two nations soured as terror links to Pakistan emerged.
Acting swiftly, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, a crucial water-sharing deal signed by the two countries in 1960, citing “sustained cross-border terrorism”. India may now divert or stop water in the Indus River system from flowing to Pakistan, choking their major source of water supply and impacting tens of millions of citizens.
India had also cancelled all visas of Pakistani nationals. Those living in India were given a deadline to leave Indian soil. This included those medical visas, too. Pakistan, in response, had threatened to suspend all bilateral pacts with India, including the Simla agreement. The two countries have also downgraded diplomatic ties.
