New Delhi is eyeing global financial isolation for Islamabad amid rising tensions over Pahalgam terror attack.
In a dramatic escalation of its response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, India has imposed an immediate, blanket ban on all imports — direct and indirect — from Pakistan, citing grave national security concerns.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through a late-night notification on May 2, amended the Foreign Trade Policy to prohibit “the import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan.” The ban, effective immediately, will remain in force “until further orders,” marking one of the most stringent trade crackdowns by India in recent years.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) confirmed that no exceptions will be made unless explicitly authorized by the central government, effectively severing a crucial, albeit limited, economic link between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
This trade freeze follows what Indian intelligence agencies have identified as “cross-border linkages” to the Pahalgam massacre. As part of a broader diplomatic offensive, India is also lobbying to re-add Pakistan to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, targeting its alleged support for terror financing.
In parallel, New Delhi has opened dialogues with major multilateral development banks (MDBs), urging them to halt loans and financial assistance to Pakistan. A senior official described the approach as a “multi-pronged isolation strategy” designed to choke funding channels that could potentially fuel extremist networks.
Just days after the attack, India also moved to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, a foundational bilateral agreement governing water-sharing between the two countries. In retaliation, Islamabad announced the suspension of the Simla Agreement, further deepening diplomatic hostilities.
Though India-Pakistan trade has been marginal for years, the symbolic and strategic weight of this new embargo is immense. From April 2024 to January 2025, India exported goods worth $447.65 million to Pakistan, while imports trickled in at just $0.42 million, mostly comprising fruits, oilseeds, and medicinal plants.
India’s main exports included organic chemicals and pharmaceuticals, accounting for nearly 60% of trade, alongside items like sugar, spices, and auto components.
With today’s ban, even this minimal economic thread has been severed.
As both nations brace for the diplomatic fallout, this bold move signals India’s intent to not only punish Islamabad economically but also galvanize international pressure in the wake of one of the deadliest attacks in recent years.
Jamia joins JNU in halting academic ties with Turkey over national security concerns
Teachers ousted by SC ruling protest outside Bengal education office, seek job restoration
In order to improve three National Waterways in the region NW-26, NW-49, and NW-84, IWAI has established a new regional office in Srinagar and allotted ₹100 crore
Singer Sonu Nigam gets High Court relief in Kannada row as Karnataka govt halts coercive action
The central government is anticipated to introduce a nationwide Natural Farming Certification System (NFCS)
Singer Sonu Nigam gets High Court relief in Kannada row as Karnataka govt halts coercive action
Trump to Apple: ‘Don’t build in India unless it’s for India’
JNU suspends MoU with Turkish university, citing national security concerns
Fear quake: Viral rumours of imminent Japan disaster shake Hong Kong tourism
MP minister booked after HC slams ‘terrorist sister’ remark on Col Sofiya Qureshi
Jamia joins JNU in halting academic ties with Turkey over national security concerns
Teachers ousted by SC ruling protest outside Bengal education office, seek job restoration
In order to improve three National Waterways in the region NW-26, NW-49, and NW-84, IWAI has established a new regional office in Srinagar and allotted ₹100 crore
Singer Sonu Nigam gets High Court relief in Kannada row as Karnataka govt halts coercive action
The central government is anticipated to introduce a nationwide Natural Farming Certification System (NFCS)
Singer Sonu Nigam gets High Court relief in Kannada row as Karnataka govt halts coercive action
Trump to Apple: ‘Don’t build in India unless it’s for India’
JNU suspends MoU with Turkish university, citing national security concerns
Fear quake: Viral rumours of imminent Japan disaster shake Hong Kong tourism
MP minister booked after HC slams ‘terrorist sister’ remark on Col Sofiya Qureshi
Copyright© educationpost.in 2024 All Rights Reserved.
Designed and Developed by @Pyndertech