India Bans Pakistani Ships From Its Ports After Deadly Terror Attack

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people, India has imposed strict measures targeting its maritime and trade links with Pakistan.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has issued a new order banning Pakistani-flagged ships from entering any Indian port. At the same time, Indian-flagged vessels are no longer allowed to visit ports in Pakistan.

The directive, which came into effect immediately, has been issued under Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.

The ministry stated that the purpose of this action is to protect Indian ships, cargo, and port infrastructure, and to ensure the country’s maritime sector operates securely and efficiently.

The order stated that “a ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian port, and an Indian-flagged ship shall not visit any ports of Pakistan.”

The ministry added that this decision was made in the interest of the safety of Indian maritime assets and to support the overall goals of Indian shipping. Any exemptions will be considered individually.

This is one of several strong actions taken by India after the Pahalgam attack. Citing Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism, the Indian government has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and shut down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, which was a key point for limited trade and people movement between the two nations.

Additionally, the number of staff at the Indian and Pakistani High Commissions has been reduced. Earlier, the Ministry of Commerce announced a complete ban on the direct and indirect import of goods from Pakistan.

As per the official notification issued on May 2, a new provision has been added to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, which prohibits the import or transit of any goods that originate from or are exported out of Pakistan.

This ban applies to all goods, regardless of their import status, and will remain in effect until further notice. The ministry stated that this measure is in place to protect national security and public interest.

Any exceptions will require prior government approval.

The Wagah-Attari crossing, which is the only road trade route between the two countries, has also been closed after the attack.

Trade between India and Pakistan had already declined over the past few years. After the 2019 Pulwama attack, India raised customs duties on Pakistani imports to 200 per cent, leading to a sharp drop in shipments of goods such as pharmaceuticals, fruits, and oilseeds.

Reference: Hindustan Times

Source: Maritime Shipping News