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These three measures are the latest in a series of strong actions taken by the Indian government following the Pahalgam attack, including the suspension of the Indus Treaty.
Representative Image of Line of Control | PTI
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated further on Saturday after New Delhi ramped up its response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, with a ban on imports, incoming mail and parcels from Pakistan and restricting docking of ships from the country at all Indian ports.
These three measures are the latest in a series of strong actions taken by the Indian government following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Meanwhile, Pakistan on Saturday tested a ballistic missile with a range of 450 km, a move that sources say India views as a serious provocation. Earlier, Islamabad violated ceasefire multiple times by firing on Indian posts along the Line of Control.
Pakistani Ships Restricted In India
India has officially prohibited Pakistani-flagged ships from entering Indian ports and has similarly restricted Indian vessels from accessing ports in Pakistan, according to an order issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).
“This order is issued to ensure the safety of Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure, in the public interest and for the interest of Indian shipping,” the DGS said on Saturday. It added that the order shall be enforced with immediate effect and will stay in place until further notice.
The restriction has been imposed under Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, which grants the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) authority to issue directives that protect national interests and safeguard Indian shipping.
This provision applies to Indian-flagged vessels worldwide and foreign-flagged ships operating in Indian waters, primarily to ensure the safety of lives at sea.
Ban On Imports From Pakistan
In another bold move against Islamabad, India imposed a blanket ban on all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan.
A new provision has been introduced in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) through a recent notification from the Commerce Ministry, banning the “direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan with immediate effect until further orders.”
The ministry emphasised that this action is being implemented in the interest of national security and public policy.
In retaliation, Pakistan has also suspended all trade with India, a move that is expected to halt cross-border trade valued at approximately Rs 3,886 crore.
Ban On Pakistani Postal Services And Websites
India’s third measure on the day was a ban on all physical mail and parcels from Pakistan.
“The Government of India has decided to suspend the exchange of all categories of inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan via air and surface routes,” stated the Centre in an official order.
In addition, India is considering blocking access to Pakistani IP addresses, a move that could disrupt digital communication and internet-based services between the two countries.
Earlier, India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), imposing a complete closure of its airspace to all aircraft registered, operated, or leased by Pakistan, including commercial airlines.
The airspace ban came into effect on April 30 and will remain in place until May 23, 2025.
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