NEW DELHI: In the aftermath of the horrific Pahalgam terror attack, India imposed an immediate ban on direct and indirect import of all goods from Pakistan with immediate effect.
The decision, announced through a notification issued by the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) on May 2, has been incorporated into the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.
According to the notification, the restriction has been implemented “in the interest of national security and public policy.” The newly inserted provision in the FTP categorically says, “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.”
Any exception to the ban will now require the explicit approval of the government, the notification added.
The Centre has also barred any Pakistani-flag bearing ships from entering any Indian port.
“A ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian Port. An Indian flag ship shall not visit any Ports of Pakistan. This order is issued to ensure safety of Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure, in public interest and for interest of Indian shipping. Any exemption or dispensation from this order shall be examined and decided on case-to-basis. This order shall conic into force with immediate effect and remain in force till further order,” the order said.
Between April and January 2024–25, major imports from Pakistan included fruits and nuts ($0.08 million), specific oilseeds and medicinal plants (USD 0.26 million), and organic chemicals. In 2023–24, exports totalled USD 1.18 billion, while imports stood at USD 2.88 million.
In previous years, India exported $627.1 million (2022–23) and $513.82 million (2021–22), importing $20.11 million and $2.54 million, respectively. During April–January 2024–25, organic chemicals and pharmaceutical products made up around 60% of exports, worth $129.55 million and $110.06 million.
Other exports included sugar, vegetables, cereals, tea, petroleum, fertilisers, plastics, rubber, and auto parts.
The move comes days after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists.