India Halts All Imports from Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack

In the aftermath of a deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has enforced a complete ban on all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan. The ban comes into effect immediately and was notified through an amendment in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 on Friday.

The decision was triggered by the terror attack that took place on April 22 in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony guide.

Trade Ban in Effect: National Security Cited

The Ministry of Commerce issued a notification stating that the measure is being taken in the interest of national security and public policy.

“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,” the notification stated.

The restriction covers all goods currently in transit and will remain in force until further notice. Any exemptions will require prior government approval.

Wagah-Attari Border Closed

The Wagah-Attari border, the only operational land trade route between India and Pakistan, had already been closed following the Pahalgam attack. With this official trade ban now in place, all land, air, and sea imports from Pakistan stand fully suspended.

Trade Already at Historic Lows

The India-Pakistan trade relationship had been minimal since 2019, when India imposed a 200% customs duty on goods imported from Pakistan in response to the Pulwama attack.

According to official trade data, imports from Pakistan made up less than 0.0001% of India’s total import volume in FY 2024–25. Pakistan’s key exports to India in recent years had included pharmaceuticals, fresh fruits, and oilseeds.

Indus Waters Treaty Suspended

Further escalating the response, India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a major water-sharing agreement signed between the two countries in 1960. The government has cited "sustained cross-border terrorism" as the reason, and has indicated that it may divert or block water from the Indus river system that currently flows into Pakistan.

This is the first time that India has formally halted its obligations under the treaty, which had previously survived several conflict periods.

Visas Cancelled for Pakistani Nationals

The government has also taken action on the movement of people between the two countries. All existing visas issued to Pakistani nationals—including medical visas—have been cancelled. Those already residing in India have been instructed to leave the country.

Growing Tensions Post Pahalgam Attack

The terror attack in Pahalgam has become a new flashpoint in India-Pakistan relations. With trade halted, treaties suspended, and visas cancelled, the standoff is being closely watched. While no clear timelines have been announced for the rollback of any of these decisions, the developments mark a significant breakdown in bilateral ties.

The situation remains tense, and any further movement will likely depend on future geopolitical developments and security assessments.