India Bans Pakistani Imports Amid Rising Border Tensions

India has taken a firm stance in its latest move to safeguard national interests by imposing a sweeping restriction: India bans Pakistani imports, a decision that now affects all forms of trade, both direct and indirect, with its western neighbor. Prompted by the recent deadly attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead, including a tourist from Nepal, this policy shift is more than a routine trade decision. It reflects the deepening distrust between the two countries.

The announcement came through a newly added clause in the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, officially halting the entry of any Pakistani-origin goods. This includes even those items previously allowed under existing trade provisions. The India bans Pakistani imports order also applies to goods transiting through third-party nations. The Indian government cited national security and public interest as its primary reasons for implementing the ban.

India Bans Pakistani Imports After Baselessly Blaming Pakistan for Pahalgam Crisis

While the volume of trade between the two countries has remained negligible in recent years, falling below $0.5 million in imports, India had already discouraged Pakistani goods after the 2019 Pulwama attack by imposing a 200% duty. Most recent imports included non-essential items like figs, herbs, and pink salt.

Trade experts say that India bans Pakistani imports may be largely symbolic but could cut off already limited trade routes used by Pakistani businesses to reach Indian markets. According to Ajay Srivastava from GTRI, Pakistan may still attempt to reroute goods through third countries, though the impact will be minimal on India’s supply chain.

Beyond Trade: A Broader Diplomatic Breakdown

This import freeze is only one of several measures India has taken since the Pahalgam incident. Authorities have suspended all incoming mail and parcel services from Pakistan, cancelled visas for Pakistani nationals, and instructed current visitors to exit the country. The Indus Waters Treaty has also been suspended, signaling a deeper geopolitical rift. Moreover, Indian airspace is now off-limits to all aircraft operated by or leased to Pakistan until at least May 24.

The situation has escalated quickly, with Pakistan threatening to sever remaining bilateral agreements, including the historic Simla Accord. As diplomatic ties unravel, both nations now face one of the tensest standoffs in recent memory.