India has once again taken a strong step against Pakistan, which it accuses of sheltering terrorism. The Indian government has announced a complete ban on the import of any goods—direct or indirect—from Pakistan with immediate effect. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce on May 2, this decision has been taken in the interest of national security and public policy. As per the order, no products from Pakistan, whether imported directly or through a third country, will be allowed.
Ban Added to Foreign Trade Policy 2023
This new trade ban has been added as a provision to the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) clarified that if any imports are to be allowed from Pakistan under special circumstances, it would require special approval from the Indian government.
What Did India Import from Pakistan?
Between April and January of the 2024–25 financial year, India imported goods worth only $0.42 million from Pakistan. These included copper and its articles, edible fruits and nuts, cotton, salt, sulphur, earth and stone, organic chemicals, mineral fuels, plastic products, wool, glassware, raw hides, and leather.
What Did India Export to Pakistan?
On the other hand, India exported goods worth $447.65 million to Pakistan during the same period. Major exports included pharmaceutical products ($129.55 million), organic chemicals ($110.06 million), sugar, tea, coffee, vegetables, petroleum, fertilizers, plastics, rubber, and auto parts.
India’s Strategy to Tighten Economic Pressure
Following the increasing tension after the Pahalgam terror attack, India has started building pressure on Pakistan through economic means. India has asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to review the loans given to Pakistan. Additionally, efforts have begun to put Pakistan back on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. Being grey-listed and denied IMF funding could severely damage Pakistan’s already struggling economy.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Brutal Incident
On April 22, terrorists dressed in army uniforms opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, killing 26 people. Reports say the attackers first asked for the victims’ religious identity and shot them after identifying them as Hindus.
TRF Claims Responsibility
The Resistance Front (TRF), a group linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for this brutal attack. This is the deadliest terror incident in Jammu & Kashmir since the Pulwama attack in February 2019, which killed 47 CRPF soldiers.