In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22 that claimed 26 lives, India has ramped up its response with stringent measures targeting Pakistan’s maritime and trade activities. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has issued an immediate ban on Pakistani-flagged ships from entering Indian ports, underlining the country’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests.
The order, which also prohibits Indian-flagged vessels from visiting Pakistani ports, is enforced under Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. The Act is designed to protect Indian assets, cargo, and port infrastructure, as well as to bolster the efficiency of India’s mercantile marine. “The objective of the Act is to foster the development and ensure the efficient maintenance of an Indian mercantile marine, in a manner best suited to serve national interests,” stated the order.
The restrictions will remain in force until further notice, as the Indian government intensifies its efforts to safeguard maritime interests and national security. The ministry emphasized that any requests for exemptions from the ban will be examined on a case-by-case basis. The ban is part of a broader strategy to enhance security and ensure the smooth functioning of India’s maritime and logistical systems.
In addition to the maritime restrictions, the Indian government has already taken further measures in response to Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and reducing the staffing at India’s High Commission in Pakistan. These actions aim to address the growing concerns over the continued flow of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, especially in light of the Pahalgam attack.
Furthering the pressure on Pakistan, the Indian government has imposed an immediate ban on the direct and indirect import of all goods from Pakistan. A notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce on May 2 stated that this prohibition would remain in place until further orders. The move follows the closure of the Wagah-Attari crossing, the only official trade route between India and Pakistan, in response to the Pahalgam attack.
While imports from Pakistan had already been declining since the 2019 Pulwama attack, when India imposed a 200 percent duty on Pakistani goods, this new ban is expected to hit key sectors including pharmaceuticals, fruits, and oilseeds. India has made it clear that these actions are part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard national security and interests in the face of growing threats from cross-border terrorism.
The ban on Pakistani ships and imports serves as a powerful message from India that it will continue to take firm action to protect its citizens and its national assets. The government’s robust response is expected to have far-reaching implications for India-Pakistan relations in the coming months.
Sources By Agencies
