In a fresh sign of deteriorating ties between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has rerouted a timber-laden cargo vessel originally destined for India’s Kandla Port to Singapore.
The vessel, which departed from Malaysia’s Bintulu Port on May 3, was instructed to change course following India’s move to restrict Pakistani vessels from docking at its ports. PNSC sources confirmed the ship is now en route to Singapore, where the timber cargo is expected to be offloaded within the next few days. The vessel’s updated shipping log also lists Colombo in Sri Lanka and Sohar in Oman as backup destinations, should circumstances demand further redirection. This development comes on the heels of New Delhi’s decision to deny Pakistani vessels entry into Indian harbours—a retaliatory measure following Islamabad’s recent actions. These included a ban on Indian flights over Pakistani airspace and the expulsion of Indian diplomats, adding further strain to already frayed diplomatic channels.
While political rhetoric on both sides grows sharper, the economic costs are beginning to surface. Experts caution that maritime trade, a critical link between the two South Asian economies, could become a significant casualty if the crisis continues to escalate. Cross-border trade routes by sea have historically been more stable even during turbulent periods, but that stability now appears to be cracking under pressure. Industry observers note that redirection of cargo not only leads to delays but also adds logistical and financial burdens for exporters, importers, and shipping lines. Timber, a low-margin commodity, is particularly vulnerable to added shipping costs, potentially making the entire consignment commercially unviable. Pakistan is reportedly engaging international diplomatic channels to raise concerns over India’s port entry restrictions. Officials argue that such unilateral measures violate trade norms and threaten regional economic cooperation.
As of now, the situation remains fluid. Analysts stress the urgent need for de-escalation, warning that prolonged trade disruptions could have ripple effects across sectors, harming not just bilateral commerce but also regional supply chains.
