India bans all imports from Pakistan amid tension over Pahalgam terror attack

NH Bureau Sunday, 04 May 2025 08:15:23 AM

India bans all imports from Pakistan amid tension over Pahalgam terror attack (Image: X/narendramodi)

New Delhi : Days after brutal Pahalgam Terrorist attack, India has imposed another strict move against Pakistan. All imports from the neighbouring nation have been banned; the decision has been taken in the interest of national security and public policy.

In a latest notification by Commerce Ministry, a new provision has been added to the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to prohibit "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," the notification added.

It must be noted that Wagah-Attari border the only trade route between India and Pakistan had already been closed since the deadly Pahalgam attack, where 26 tourists were killed by asking their religion.

Since the 2019 Pulwama attack, imports from Pakistan—mainly pharmaceuticals, fruits, and oilseeds—have seen a sharp decline. This drop followed India's imposition of a 200% tariff on Pakistani goods and the withdrawal of Pakistan's 'Most Favoured Nation' status.

Bilateral trade, which was valued at $2.4 billion in 2017–18 and $2.3 billion in 2016–17, fell drastically to $647 million in 2023–24. Between April 2024 and January 2025, India's exports to Pakistan reached $447.65 million, while imports stood at just $0.42 million—reportedly accounting for less than 0.0001% of India’s total imports during that period.

For those who are unaware, India has already suspended the Indus Waters Treaty soon after the terrorist attack. India now has the power to stop the water and divert it to choke Pakistan and deprive it from fulfilling water needs, leading to a havoc for several citizens.

India also cancelled all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, including medical visas, and set a deadline for those residing in the country to leave. In retaliation, Pakistan threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement. Diplomatic relations between the two nations have since been downgraded.