In a strong move following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has banned all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan with immediate effect. The decision was announced through an official notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), citing concerns of national security and public policy.
🚫 Total Ban on Imports from Pakistan
According to the notification, all goods originating from or exported via Pakistan are now prohibited from being imported into India, either directly or through third countries. Any exception to this rule will require special approval from the Government of India.
The ban has been added as a formal provision in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, making it legally binding and effective until further notice.
🔍 What Triggered the Ban?
The decision comes just weeks after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which left 26 people dead, mostly tourists. In response, India has also:
- Closed the Attari land-transit post
- Expelled Pakistani military attachés
- Suspended the Indus Water Treaty of 1960
📉 What Was the Trade Volume?
India’s trade with Pakistan had already dropped sharply in recent years, particularly after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019. Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
- April–Jan 2024-25:
- Exports to Pakistan: $447.65 million
- Imports from Pakistan: Only $0.42 million
- Main imports from Pakistan included:
- Fruits and nuts
- Medicinal plants and oilseeds
- Organic chemicals
- Top exports from India included:
- Organic chemicals ($129.55M)
- Pharmaceuticals ($110.06M)
- Sugar and confectionery
- Petroleum products
- Auto components
⚖️ Background on MFN Withdrawal
India had earlier withdrawn the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status granted to Pakistan in 1996, following Pulwama. This allowed India to impose 200% import duty on Pakistani goods, which effectively halted most imports. Pakistan, in turn, suspended trade with India in August 2019.
Although both countries are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), India used a security exception clause to justify its action.
🛑 Trade Relations Already Minimal
Recent years had seen a steep decline in bilateral trade:
- 2023-24:
- Exports: $1.18 billion
- Imports: $2.88 million
- 2017-18 (before Pulwama):
- Total trade: $2.41 billion
- Exports: $1.92 billion
- Imports: $488.5 million
🗣️ India’s Next Steps
According to official sources, India is also planning to request global financial institutions to review loans and grants to Pakistan, reinforcing its diplomatic pressure.
