In a significant move, India has announced a ban on the import of goods originating from or transiting through Pakistan, as well as on the entry of Pakistani ships. This decision comes amidst escalating tensions between the two nuclear-capable neighbors, particularly following a tragic attack that claimed the lives of tourists in the contested region of Kashmir.
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The Directorate General of Foreign Trade in India issued a notification stating that the ban would take immediate effect. “This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy,” the agency affirmed.
Last week, a group of suspected militants was responsible for an attack that resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people at a mountain resort in the Pahalgam area of the Kashmir Valley. India has accused Pakistan of complicity in this attack, a claim that Islamabad has categorically denied. In response, Pakistan has asserted that it possesses “credible intelligence” indicating that India may be planning military action.
Moreover, Pakistan’s countermeasures have included halting all forms of border trade, closing its airspace to Indian carriers, and expelling Indian diplomats. The Pakistani government has also issued stern warnings, stating that any disruption in the flow of river water, as mandated by a long-standing treaty, would be viewed as an act of war.
Today, India confirmed that Pakistani-flagged ships will not be permitted to access any Indian ports, and conversely, Indian vessels will be barred from docking in Pakistan. “This order is issued to ensure the safety of Indian assets, cargo, and associated infrastructure, in the public interest and for the safeguarding of Indian shipping,” the Directorate General of Shipping explained.
Trade between these two nations has been on a steady decline in recent years, reflecting the broader tensions that continue to shape their relationship.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
