(Image source from: PTI)
In a decisive action against Pakistan, India has implemented a comprehensive ban on all imports from its neighboring nation, amid escalating tensions following the terror attack in Pahalgam. The government has stated that this measure is taken with national security and public policy in mind, emphasizing that it encompasses all goods in transit from Pakistan. A notification from the Commerce Ministry indicated, "All direct or indirect import or transit of goods that originate from or are exported by Pakistan, regardless of their importability status, are prohibited with immediate effect, pending further notice. This ban is enforced for reasons of national security and public policy, and any exceptions must receive prior authorization from the Government of India." Moreover, the Wagah-Attari crossing, the only trade route between India and Pakistan, had already been shut down following the Pahalgam incident.
Historically, imports from Pakistan have included pharmaceuticals, fruits, and oilseeds. However, these figures have decreased significantly over time, particularly since the Pulwama attack in 2019, when India imposed a hefty 200% tariff on goods from Pakistan. Recent reports indicate that such imports accounted for less than 0.0001% of total imports in the 2024-25 fiscal year. On April 22, terrorists cruelly killed at least 26 civilians, among them a Nepalese tourist and a local pony guide, in the picturesque Baisaran meadow in Jammu and Kashmir. Following revelations linking Pakistan to terrorism, relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply. In response, India took immediate action to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a significant water-sharing agreement established in 1960, citing "sustained cross-border terrorism." This move allows India to potentially divert or halt the flow of water from the Indus River system to Pakistan, severely threatening a vital water source for millions of citizens.
Additionally, India has rescinded all visas previously granted to Pakistani nationals. Those currently residing in India have been given a notice to exit the country, including individuals holding medical visas. Pakistan retaliated by threatening to halt all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla agreement. Diplomatic relations between the two nations have also been downgraded. The situation remains volatile along the Line of Control and the International Border, with Pakistani forces allegedly provoking Indian positions through targeted firing. India has accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists and providing them refuge across the border. Home Minister Amit Shah has made it clear that there will be no discussions regarding trade with Islamabad until terrorism is eradicated from Jammu and Kashmir.
