Pahalgam fallout: India takes a strong stance against backdoor imports from Pakistan

New Delhi: In a significant escalation of tensions following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India has announced a tough ban on all direct and indirect imports of goods coming from or going to Pakistan. This bold move aims to seal off any loopholes that previously allowed Pakistani products to sneak into the Indian market through third countries, effectively tightening the economic grip on its neighbor.  

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, issued a notification on Friday, May 2, 2025, stating that the ban is effective immediately and will stay in place until further notice. The notification clearly prohibits the "direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not they are normally allowed." Any exceptions to this sweeping ban will need the explicit prior approval of the Government of India.  

This action comes on the heels of the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari last month, right after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which took the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists. While the Attari closure put a stop to direct trade, there were still worries about the potential for Pakistani goods to enter India through roundabout routes via other nations. This latest blanket ban tackles those concerns head-on, ensuring that no goods with Pakistani origins can make their way into the Indian market.  

Government sources suggest that this move is a direct reaction to the Pahalgam attack, for which India blames Pakistan-backed terrorist groups. By tightening the screws on both direct and indirect trade, India aims to further isolate Pakistan economically and send a strong message against cross-border terrorism.  

Before this comprehensive ban, direct trade between the two countries had already dropped significantly.