India Strikes Hard: Bharat Bans All Imports from Pakistan
In a bold move, India has announced a complete ban on all imports coming from or passing through Pakistan. This step, taken in the wake of a deadly terror attack in Kashmir, reflects the rising tension between the two nations.
Why did India ban imports from Pakistan?
On April 22, a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them innocent tourists. The attackers are said to have links with Pakistan, and one of them was reportedly a former commando of the Pakistan Army.In response, the Indian government has taken strong action.
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On May 2, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notice banning all goods originating from or transiting through Pakistan. The order came into effect immediately.
“This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy,” the DGFT said in its statement.
What exactly has been banned?
As per the new trade policy update (Para 2.20A of Foreign Trade Policy 2023), all direct or indirect imports from Pakistan have been prohibited, including those which were earlier allowed under specific trade agreements.
The banned items include cement, textiles, fruits, agricultural produce, machinery, and processed goods. These were some of the key products that used to be imported from Pakistan. From now on, if any of these goods are to be allowed, it will need special approval from the Indian government.
How will this impact Pakistan?
Pakistan’s export sector is already struggling. The new ban will worsen the situation. Goods like cement, textiles, and food items, which were earlier routed through Dubai, may now face extra hurdles.Experts say this move could also block informal trade channels and make life tougher for Pakistani exporters.
Trade data shows the sharp decline:
- Between April 2024 and January 2025, India imported only $420,000 worth of goods from Pakistan, down from $2.86 million the year before.
- India’s exports to Pakistan also dropped to $447.7 million, down from $1.1 billion.
Has this happened before?
Yes, this is not the first time. In 2019, after the Pulwama terror attack, India raised import duties on Pakistani goods to 200% and removed Pakistan’s ‘Most Favoured Nation’ trade status.
Since then, official trade has remained almost frozen, though indirect trade via Dubai continued. Dubai has been a key middle point for items like jewellery, appliances, and garments being sent between the two countries.
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What Other Steps Has India Taken Against Pakistan?
India’s tough stand against Pakistan goes beyond trade.
After the April 22 attack, the Indian government:
- Blamed Pakistan directly for harbouring terrorists
- Downgraded diplomatic ties
- Suspended the Indus Water Treaty, threatening Pakistan’s water supply.
- Closed its airspace to Pakistani flights.
- India Blocks Pakistan Govt’s X official Account.
- The Government has stopped all Postal for Pakistan
- India has cancelled all visas issued to Pakistani nationals and instructed them to return to Pakistan.
- The Indian government has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading false information and anti-India content.
- India has banned the social media accounts of several Pakistani celebrities.
- India terminated the daily flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border.
These moves have shaken Pakistan’s leadership. In response, Pakistan:
- Suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement
- Closed its airspace to Indian flights
- Pakistan has closed the Wagah border and denied entry to its own citizens returning from India.
- Warned that diverting Indus water would be seen as an act of war.
What Could Happen Next in India-Pakistan Relations?
Ties between India and Pakistan have long been strained since independence in 1947. Moments of peace have been few and short-lived. Each terror attack, especially when linked to Pakistani soil, adds fuel to the fire.
This latest trade ban is yet another sign that India is no longer willing to tolerate cross-border terrorism without strong consequences.As tensions continue to rise, both countries stand at a critical point. With every move, the chances of peace grow slimmer — and the cost of conflict rises.
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