Ports closed, ties fray: India, Pakistan lock horns after Pahalgam terror attack

A dramatic escalation in Indo-Pakistani tensions unfolded over the weekend as both nations imposed sweeping maritime and trade restrictions on each other, deepening a diplomatic rift sparked by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 dead — mostly tourists.

India on May 3 imposed a complete ban on the import of goods originating from or transiting through Pakistan, while also barring Pakistani vessels from docking at Indian ports. The move, announced hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed “firm and decisive” action against terrorism and its sponsors, signals a hardening stance from New Delhi.

In swift retaliation, Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs issued a late-night directive banning Indian-flagged ships from entering any Pakistani port. The order, reported by Dawn, cited national security, maritime sovereignty, and economic interests as the grounds for enforcement. It further stated that Pakistani ships would also cease visiting Indian ports, with any exemptions to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The tit-for-tat measures come amid deteriorating relations following the Pahalgam attack, which Indian authorities have linked to four militants — two of whom are confirmed Pakistani nationals. The latest restrictions follow a series of punitive steps by India, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting the operational land crossing at Attari, halting mail and parcel exchanges, and downgrading diplomatic engagement.

While direct imports from Pakistan had already become negligible due to a 200% duty imposed after the 2019 Pulwama attack, the new order blocks even indirect imports via third countries, effectively sealing off all trade routes.

Tensions flared further after the Pakistan Army announced a “successful training launch” of the Abdali surface-to-surface missile, capable of hitting targets up to 450 km away. New Delhi called the timing of the missile test a “blatant provocation.”

Meanwhile, security alerts rippled across the region. In Colombo, Sri Lankan police boarded and searched a flight arriving from Chennai after receiving intelligence that a suspect linked to the Pahalgam massacre might be on board. No arrests were made, and SriLankan Airlines later confirmed the aircraft had been cleared.

As both nations harden positions and sever connections, diplomatic backchannels remain quiet — raising fears of further escalation in a region already on edge.