In a decisive escalation of its response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India has banned all imports from Pakistan with immediate effect, citing national security and public policy concerns. The move follows confirmation of terror links to Pakistan in the massacre that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony guide, in Baisaran meadow, Jammu and Kashmir.
In a notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the government stated:
“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.”
The Wagah-Attari border, the sole land trade route between the two nations, had already been closed in the wake of the terror attack. Imports from Pakistan had already dwindled significantly, especially after India imposed a 200% duty following the 2019 Pulwama attack. By 2024–25, Pakistani imports made up less than 0.0001% of India’s total imports, with primary goods being pharmaceuticals, fruits, and oilseeds.
Diplomatic Fallout: Indus Waters Treaty Suspended
In a major diplomatic blow, India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, the 1960 agreement governing river water sharing between the two nations. With this suspension, India may now divert or block water from the Indus River system, potentially affecting millions of Pakistani citizens dependent on the water source.
Additional Measures:
- Cancellation of all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, including medical visas.
- Pakistani citizens in India have been given a deadline to leave the country.
- India and Pakistan have downgraded diplomatic ties, with both sides recalling staff and suspending communications.
- Pakistan has threatened to suspend bilateral pacts, including the Simla Agreement.
Security Situation:
Tensions remain high along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border, with Pakistani troops reportedly targeting Indian positions through provocations and firing.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated India’s firm stand:
“There will be no trade dialogue with Pakistan until terrorism is completely eradicated from Jammu and Kashmir.”
India has long maintained that Pakistan provides safe havens to terrorists, and the latest measures signal a zero-tolerance policy toward cross-border terrorism.
