New Delhi – In a decisive move signaling a sharp downturn in diplomatic relations, the Government of India has today announced a complete cessation of all trade and postal communication with neighboring Pakistan, effective immediately.
This action follows closely on the heels of an earlier directive that prohibited Pakistani vessels from docking at Indian ports and put an end to all imports and goods transiting from or through Pakistan.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry formalized the trade embargo through a notification issued under Section 3 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992. This amendment introduces a new clause, Para 2.20a, to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, explicitly forbidding the direct or indirect import or transit of any goods originating in or destined for Pakistan until further notice.
The government underscored that this stringent measure was deemed necessary “in the interest of national security and public policy,” stipulating that any exceptions would require explicit prior authorization from the Indian government.
Further clarifying the scope of the trade suspension, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) emphasized that the restrictions extend beyond direct commercial activities to encompass all indirect shipments and transit of goods, including those being routed through third-party nations. This comprehensive ban effectively closes all avenues of goods exchange between the two countries.
Adding to the disruption of bilateral interactions, the Department of Posts has also confirmed the immediate suspension of all postal services connecting India and Pakistan. This includes the exchange of letters, parcels, and express mail, severing a vital link for personal and official correspondence that has persisted despite periods of political strain.
As of now, there has been no official statement or reaction from the government of Pakistan regarding these significant developments. The implications of these sweeping measures on the already strained relationship between the two nations remain to be seen.
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