In a significant move underscoring its tough stance on cross-border terrorism, India has imposed a blanket ban on all imports from Pakistan. The decision comes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony guide.
The Ministry of Commerce issued a notification stating, “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.”
This measure applies to all categories of goods, including those already en route. The ban follows the closure of the Wagah-Attari border, the only land route for trade between the two countries, which was shut down soon after the Pahalgam incident.
Trade between India and Pakistan had already dwindled following the 2019 Pulwama attack, when India slapped a 200 percent duty on Pakistani goods. By 2024-25, imports from Pakistan accounted for less than 0.0001 percent of India’s total imports. The limited trade previously consisted mainly of pharmaceutical products, fruits, and oilseeds.
India has also decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a longstanding water-sharing agreement signed in 1960. Citing continued cross-border terrorism, India is now exploring options to divert or stop water from the Indus River system from flowing into Pakistan. Such a move could affect millions who depend on this critical water source.
Additionally, India has cancelled all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, including those for medical reasons, and has directed them to leave the country within a specified period.
In response, Pakistan has threatened to terminate all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been further downgraded as tensions escalate.
