New Delhi, Delhi: In a decisive and immediate response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam last month, India has announced a complete ban on all imports from Pakistan. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification today, stating that this stringent measure is being implemented with immediate effect in the interest of national security and public policy.
The notification, issued by the commerce ministry, introduces a new provision in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 explicitly prohibiting “direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan…until further orders.” This blanket ban effectively suspends all trade of goods between the two nations, regardless of whether those goods were previously freely importable or otherwise permitted.
India bans direct or indirect imports from Pakistan with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/kS45jf7Xf6
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 3, 2025
The DGFT underscored the gravity of the situation in its notification, emphasizing that any exceptions to this comprehensive prohibition will necessitate explicit approval from the Indian government. This clause suggests that while the ban is absolute in its immediate application, there might be specific, case-by-case considerations under exceptional circumstances, subject to rigorous scrutiny.
This drastic trade embargo comes in the wake of the horrific terror attack on April 22nd in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, predominantly tourists, sent shockwaves across the nation and triggered a wave of condemnation and calls for strong action.
In the days following the ghastly incident, India has already initiated a series of robust diplomatic measures aimed at isolating Pakistan and signaling its strong displeasure. These measures include the suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches stationed in India, a suspension of discussions related to the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, and the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, which served as the primary and sole land trade route between the two countries.
The closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing had already severely curtailed bilateral trade, and today’s announcement formalizes a complete cessation of import activities. This move is expected to have significant economic repercussions for Pakistani businesses that relied on the Indian market.
Sources within the Indian government indicate that this decision reflects a firm stance against cross-border terrorism and a determination to hold Pakistan accountable for fostering or harboring terrorist elements. The comprehensive import ban is intended to exert economic pressure and send a clear message that India will not tolerate such acts of violence.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting with top defense officials, where he reportedly asserted that the armed forces have been granted “complete operational freedom” to decide on the nature, targets, and timing of India’s response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack. This statement, coupled with the stringent trade measures, underscores a multi-pronged approach by India in addressing the security challenges emanating from across the border.
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