National: New Delhi has taken a decisive step by announcing an immediate ban on all direct and indirect imports of goods originating from or exported by Pakistan. This significant trade restriction was formally declared by India’s commerce ministry through a notification issued on May 2nd.
The notification explicitly states the inclusion of a new provision within the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. This addition unequivocally “prohibits direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan with immediate effect until further orders.” The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the issuing body, underscored that this stringent measure has been implemented in the interest of national security and public policy.
The official notification makes it clear that any deviation from this comprehensive prohibition will necessitate explicit approval from the Government of India. By inserting a dedicated section titled “prohibition on import from Pakistan” within the FTP, the government has formalized this trade embargo. The language used in the notification leaves no room for ambiguity, stating that “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.”
This firm action by the Indian government comes in the wake of a devastating terror attack that occurred in Pahalgam on April 22nd. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives, a majority of whom were tourists, prompting a strong response from Indian authorities.
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