GUWAHATI: India has banned direct and indirect import and transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan with immediate effect. The decision, announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) through Notification released on May 2, is seen as a response to increased national security concerns.
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The restriction has been implemented by inserting a new paragraph—2.20A—into the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. It applies to all goods, whether freely importable or otherwise permitted, and has been imposed in the interest of national security and public policy.
“The direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders,” the notification read.
According to the notification, any exception to the prohibition will require prior approval from the Government of India. The order will remain in force until further notice.
The measure follows the brutal Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 innocent lives, pushing the Indian government to take bold action in the interest of public safety.