India has imposed an immediate ban on all imports originating from or transiting through Pakistan, alongside a prohibition on Pakistani-flagged vessels docking at Indian ports. The decision, announced by India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade and the Directorate General of Shipping, is a direct response to escalating tensions following a deadly attack on tourists in the disputed Kashmir region.
The attack occurred in Pahalgam, where suspected militants killed at least 26 people. India has accused Pakistan of involvement, a claim Islamabad denies, countering with intelligence suggesting India plans military action. In retaliation, Pakistan has halted all border trade, closed its airspace to Indian carriers, and expelled Indian diplomats. Additionally, Pakistan has warned that any attempt to disrupt river water flows under a longstanding treaty would be considered an act of war.
The trade ban is justified by both nations as measures for national security and public safety. This move marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, whose bilateral trade had already diminished in recent years. The restrictions are expected to further strain economic and diplomatic ties.
