India Imposes Ban on Imports from Pakistan Amid Rising Tensions
India's Import Ban on Pakistan
On Friday, India announced a ban on the import of goods that either originate from or transit through Pakistan, a decision influenced by escalating diplomatic tensions following the recent Pahalgam terror incident.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade confirmed that this ban is effective immediately, emphasizing that it is enacted for reasons of national security and public policy.
This department, which operates under the Union commerce ministry, oversees the enforcement of laws related to foreign trade.
In the tragic attack on April 22, twenty-six individuals lost their lives, and 17 others sustained injuries near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
The assault occurred in the Baisaran region of Anantnag district, where militants targeted tourists, primarily from outside the state, after inquiring about their names to determine their religion, according to police reports. Notably, all but three of the deceased were Hindu.
Following the attack, diplomatic exchanges between India and Pakistan have intensified, with both nations trading accusations.
In response, New Delhi suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals and announced that all existing visas would be revoked starting April 27, with the exception of medical visas, which will remain valid until April 29. Pakistani citizens in India under the SAARC visa scheme were given a 48-hour notice to exit.
By the end of this deadline, 537 Pakistani individuals had exited India via the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab.
India's Ministry of External Affairs has also cautioned its citizens against traveling to Pakistan and advised those currently there to return home.
In the aftermath of the attack, India declared that the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty would be suspended until Pakistan effectively ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.
Additionally, India has labeled Pakistan's defense, military, naval, and air advisers in New Delhi as persona non grata and plans to withdraw its defense advisers from Islamabad.
On Wednesday, India closed its airspace to all aircraft registered, operated, or leased by Pakistan.
In retaliation, Pakistan announced it would suspend the 1972 Simla Agreement with India, which was established post the 1971 war and recognized the Line of Control as the de facto boundary in much of Jammu and Kashmir.
Also read: How India’s withdrawal from Indus Water Treaty could hurt Pakistan