In the wake of a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India has banned the entry of Pakistani ships at Indian ports. It has also prohibited Indian ships from visiting Pakistani ports. The Directorate General of Shipping, in a statement, said that any ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian port. It also said that Indian flagships will also not visit any ports of Pakistan.
The DGS said that the restrictions have been put in place with immediate effect and till further notice. The decision has been taken to ensure the safety of Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure in the public interest and for the interest of Indian shipping. It added that any exemption or dispensation from this order shall be examined and decided on a case-by-case basis.
India also banned the direct or indirect import of all goods from Pakistan with immediate effect. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in a notification that direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan shall be prohibited with immediate effect. It said this restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition will require the approval of the government.
India has also suspended all postal services to and from Pakistan. These measures follow India’s earlier steps, including shutting the Attari land border, expelling Pakistani nationals, reducing diplomatic staff, and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.
