India has announced an immediate ban on the direct or indirect import of all goods from Pakistan, as stated in a notification by the Ministry of Commerce. The ban, which is effective immediately, has been implemented under the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. Additionally, The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has imposed an immediate ban on Pakistani-flagged vessels from entering Indian ports, while also restricting Indian-flagged ships from docking at any port in Pakistan.
The notification, dated May 2, clearly states that the prohibition applies to the import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan. This restriction will remain in effect until further orders are issued, with any exceptions requiring prior approval from the Government of India.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has emphasized that this action is being taken in the interest of national security and public policy. The ban comes in the wake of growing concerns over security issues, particularly after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. In the attack, 26 people, mostly tourists, lost their lives, leading to heightened security measures across the country.
The notification included a specific clause, “prohibition on import from Pakistan,” outlining that “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.”