India bans import and transit of all goods from Pakistan, according to a notification by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Analysts say the decision will completely halt all inbound shipments of goods from Pakistan to India. In retaliation, Pakistan has also announced the suspension of all trade with India, including the exports of third countries to India through Pakistan.
As temperatures remain high, both nations have imposed tit-for-tat measures on each other.
India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in a notification on Friday that the ban would take effect immediately.
“This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy,” it said.
The government inserts a new paragraph 2.20A in Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 with immediate effect to include a provision prohibiting the import or transit of any goods originating in or exported from Pakistan ‘until further orders.’
India said this will prohibit import of goods from Pakistan directly or through any other trade route.
“Any exception to this prohibition will require approval of Government of India,” the order said.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry notification issued on Friday reads, “Para 2.20A: Prohibition on Import from Pakistan. 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.
“This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition shall require prior approval of the Government of India.”
Regarding the treaty between the government of India and Pakistan for the utilisation of the waters of the Indus system of rivers, Pakistan has warned that it will give a “strong response” to any attempt to prevent the flow of river water promised under a decades-old treaty.
In an exclusive interview to Al Jazeera, the Pakistani minister for information and broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, warned India that it “doesn’t have the capability to block water,” but if they do so, as he said, “we have all options available.”
“We will give a strong response because water is essential to our survival. Indus Water Treaty cannot be suspended,” the minister emphasized.
In a major move reflecting the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, the government of Pakistan has officially banned the import of Indian origin goods by third countries via sea, land and air, transiting through Pakistan.
The Ministry of Commerce issued an order on Sunday, citing national security and public interest as the primary reasons for the decision.
According to the order, it prohibits goods imported from India by third countries via sea, land and air, transiting through Pakistan.
Furthermore, it prohibits the exports of third countries, to India via sea, land and air transiting through Pakistan.
However, the Ministry of Commerce has clarified that the new order will not apply to those imports/exports for which the bill of lading or letter of credit is issued or established prior to the issuance of the order.
