The Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, India has barred Pakistan-flagged ships from entering any of its ports.
The move comes just hours after New Delhi announced a complete ban on all imports from Pakistan. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued a directive stating that the prohibition applies to both Pakistan-flagged ships entering Indian ports and Indian-flagged vessels docking at Pakistani ports. The directive has been implemented with immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.
The ministry emphasized that the action was taken in the interest of national security and to safeguard Indian maritime assets, cargo, and port infrastructure. The order reads, “A ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian port, and an Indian-flagged ship shall not visit any ports of Pakistan.” Any requests for exemption will be considered on a case-by-case basis, the ministry added. Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Commerce imposed a blanket ban on all imports from Pakistan, including those previously allowed under specific provisions. “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan… shall be prohibited with immediate effect,” the notification said, citing national security and public policy as the grounds.
These measures follow the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 people, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony guide, were killed. Investigations have pointed to possible links with Pakistan-based terror outfits, prompting the Indian government to tighten both trade and maritime restrictions. The situation continues to evolve, with both trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries under severe strain. In response to India’s measures, Pakistan has launched retaliatory actions, including halting border trade, closing airspace to Indian airlines, and expelling Indian diplomats. Additionally, Pakistan warned that any disruption of river flows regulated by a longstanding treaty would be seen as an act of war. The Kashmir region, a flashpoint claimed by both nations, has long been the source of conflict and instability.
Trade between India and Pakistan had already significantly declined in recent years. The latest measures are expected to further isolate the two nations economically and diplomatically. The ban on imports from Pakistan has immediate implications for local communities in both countries. In India, businesses that relied on Pakistani goods, such as fruits and cement, are facing supply shortages and increased costs. Conversely, Pakistani industries dependent on exports to India are grappling with the loss of a significant market.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which allocates water rights for rivers shared between the two countries, has added to the tensions. India’s decision to suspend the treaty has raised concerns about potential water shortages in Pakistan, affecting agriculture and daily life. As both nations navigate this period of heightened tensions, the international community is closely monitoring developments. Calls for dialogue and de-escalation have been made, but the path to resolution remains uncertain. The evolving situation underscores the fragile nature of relations between India and Pakistan and the complex interplay of security, trade, and diplomacy in the region
Also Read: EVRE Expands EV Charger Production in Hyderabad
