The Government of India has officially imposed a ban on the import of all goods originating from Pakistan, citing concerns related to national security and public policy.
The restriction, announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), applies to both direct and indirect trade, effective immediately.
The move comes in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, primarily tourists. Government officials believe that stricter trade restrictions will aid in preventing financial support to terrorist organisations and reinforce India’s commitment to national security.
According to the recently updated Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, any exception to the prohibition will require prior approval from the Indian government. The ban aligns with India’s broader efforts to curb the funding of terrorist activities and diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Trade analysts suggest that while the volume of direct trade between India and Pakistan has been limited in recent years, this move will formally reinforce India’s stance and restrict indirect imports through third-party countries. The government has yet to provide details on how long the ban will remain in effect.
