Indian Traders Declare Total Trade Boycott with Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack

A cloud of grief swept across the nation after the recent brutal terror attack in Pahalgam. But out of that anguish has risen a voice of unity, resolve, and defiance — not from political corridors, but from the key stakeholder's of India's economy — its traders.

In a powerful show of solidarity with the victims and in alignment with national sentiment, Indian traders, under the banner of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), have announced a complete boycott of trade with Pakistan. The move, while symbolic, also carries strong economic and emotional undertones — reflecting the growing call among citizens and business leaders for meaningful action beyond words.

Trade Ties Severed in Protest, Not Profit

The announcement came directly from Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General of CAIT and Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk — a constituency that stands as one of India’s oldest and busiest trading hubs.

Standing before a packed press gathering, Khandelwal’s words echoed the sentiments of lakhs of small and big traders from across India.

“There is immense anguish and fury among traders across the nation,” he said. “This barbaric attack has shaken the conscience of the trading community. We stand united with the government in safeguarding national sovereignty and security.”

The declaration isn’t just a reactive gesture — it's being formalized through CAIT’s National Governing Council meeting, scheduled for April 25–26 in Bhubaneswar, where trade leaders from nearly every Indian state are expected to participate and reinforce the decision.

This move aligns with the broader strategy being taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Khandelwal made it clear that Indian traders are ready to sacrifice business gains in the national interest — and are calling on the central government to take the next step: to officially snap all economic ties with Pakistan.

What This Boycott Means in Numbers

While symbolic, the boycott is not without real economic implications. According to available trade data:

• India exports around $550 million worth of goods to Pakistan every year, including key items like pharmaceuticals, sugar, and chemicals.

• Imports from Pakistan are negligible, valued at just $3 million, mostly comprising agricultural products.

Interestingly, in the first five months of FY 2024–25, India did not import anything from Pakistan, while exports stood at $235 million — showing a sharp economic tilt in India’s favor even before this decision.

This makes the boycott even more poignant — Indian traders are voluntarily cutting off a one-sided revenue stream to send a message that national security comes before profit.

Delhi Traders to Observe Bandh on April 25

In an emotional tribute to those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam attack, Delhi markets will observe a complete bandh on April 25. Far from being a political protest, this shutdown has been described by CAIT as a "peaceful tribute" — a way to mourn, to remember, and to express a united stand against terrorism.

“This bandh is not a protest — it is a peaceful tribute to the lives lost and a gesture of national unity,” Khandelwal emphasized, urging traders to voluntarily close their establishments for the day.

Security and law enforcement have also been requested to ensure peaceful proceedings, and traders have been advised to remain vigilant while maintaining calm and decorum.

Business with a Conscience

The move has received backing from top leaders within CAIT, including National President B.C. Bhartia and National Chairman Braj Mohan Agrawal, who jointly urged the government to make a formal, policy-level decision to end all economic engagements with Pakistan.

Their demand underscores a growing trend within Indian business communities — of doing business with a conscience. Increasingly, Indian entrepreneurs and traders are recognizing that their influence extends beyond economic activity; they are also agents of social and political change.

“A trade boycott may not cripple an enemy, but it sends a loud message — that we will not fund or fuel any entity that allows or encourages terrorism,” said a Delhi-based trader who plans to shutter his wholesale outlet for the day.

The CAIT-led move might not drastically alter Pakistan’s economy, but it is expected to have a significant symbolic impact — showcasing how a united domestic front, especially one driven by small and medium business owners, can express national sentiment in a non-violent yet powerful manner.

It also places pressure on policymakers to take note of civil society’s stance and respond accordingly. As the National Governing Council meets in Bhubaneswar, all eyes will be on the final wording of their resolution — and the next steps from the central government.

But for now, as Delhi markets prepare to go silent for a day, the message is loud and clear:

India's traders are not just businessmen — they are patriots, standing on the frontlines of economic nationalism.