India Imposes Immediate Ban on All Imports from Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack

DGFT Issues Nationwide Ban on Pakistan-Origin Imports Under National Security Clause

In a decisive move reflecting rising diplomatic and security tensions, India has banned the import of all goods from Pakistan with immediate effect. The action follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which left 26 people dead, most of them tourists. The restriction was officially announced through a notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce, which has amended the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 to enforce the new prohibition. The updated provision categorically states that direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan shall be prohibited until further orders.

Citing “national security and public policy” as the justification, the DGFT stated that no Pakistani-origin products—whether previously permitted, restricted, or freely importable—will be allowed entry into Indian territory. The ban extends to indirect trade as well, effectively cutting off any loophole through third-country intermediaries. Any exceptions to this import prohibition will require specific and prior approval from the Indian government.

Highlights:

• India bans all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan effective immediately.

• The policy update follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.

• DGFT cites national security and public policy as grounds for the prohibition.

• Government approval is mandatory for any exception to the ban.

India Launches Broad Diplomatic Crackdown Following Pahalgam Massacre

The Pahalgam attack, which occurred at Baisaran Valley in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir, prompted widespread condemnation and urgent high-level discussions. The coordinated firing by terrorists targeted civilians and tourists, resulting in one of the deadliest incidents in the region in recent years. In response, India has initiated a multi-layered diplomatic and strategic retaliation against Pakistan.

Among the most prominent measures announced are the suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals and the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, which had served as the sole land trade route between India and Pakistan. Additionally, the Indus Water Treaty of 1960—a long-standing water-sharing agreement between the two countries—has also been suspended. India has further expelled Pakistani military attachés, significantly escalating the diplomatic freeze between the neighbors.

Highlights:

• India suspends SAARC visa exemptions for Pakistani nationals.

• The Indus Water Treaty of 1960 has been put on hold.

• Attari-Wagah land border and trade route has been shut down.

• Pakistani military officials in India have been expelled as part of wider measures.

PM Modi Grants Armed Forces Complete Operational Freedom for Response

Following the terror strike and the subsequent security deliberations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a critical meeting with the top echelons of India’s defence establishment. At this meeting, Modi reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to national security and gave the armed forces “complete operational freedom”. This includes authority over the choice of target, timing, and method of retaliation, indicating that India’s military response to the attack may not only be swift but also strategically autonomous.

This stance suggests the likelihood of a calibrated military operation, echoing India’s previous responses to similar provocations, such as the surgical strikes of 2016 and the Balakot airstrikes in 2019. By empowering the defence forces with strategic autonomy, India has sent a clear message about the seriousness with which it views cross-border terrorism.

Highlights:

• PM Modi gives armed forces full authority to decide India’s response.

• Defence leadership granted autonomy over targeting, timing, and mode of retaliation.

• Signals potential for assertive military action reminiscent of earlier responses.