Our Bureau
New Delhi
India has imposed an immediate ban on all direct and indirect imports and transit of goods coming directly or indirectly from Pakistan. This includes all types of goods, whether they are usually allowed for import or not, according to a notification by the Ministry of Commerce and Trade.
The order amends the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 to include a provision prohibiting the import or transit of any goods originating in or exported from Pakistan “until further orders.”
Any exception to this prohibition will require the prior approval of the Government of India.
Similarly, New Delhi also suspended the exchange of all categories of mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes. The order suspending the services was issued by the Department of Posts that operates under the Ministry of Communication.
Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister for Communication, confirmed the decision and said, “Government of India has decided to suspend the exchange of all categories of inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes.”
The decision comes in the wake of the deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir on April 22 and the rising cross-border firings between the two nations.
India had alleged Pakistan’s involvement in the attack, which was vehemently denied by the authorities in Islamabad. Pakistan has said it has “credible intelligence” that India intends to launch military action.
India had earlier launched a slew of punitive measures against Pakistan including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari border, denial of Indian airspace to Pakistani airlines, cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals, and a downgrading of diplomatic ties.
Pakistan’s retaliatory measures have included halting all border trade, closing its airspace to Indian carriers and expelling Indian diplomats.
Meanwhile, the Indian ministry of ports, shipping and waterways has also banned Pakistani-flagged ships from entering Indian ports and prohibited Indian-flagged vessels from visiting ports in Pakistan.
The restrictions, effective immediately, have been imposed under Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, to safeguard Indian assets, cargo, and port infrastructure.
