The Indian government has now imposed a complete ban on all imports from Pakistan, which means no goods under any category or through any channel will be able to enter India from the neighbouring country. The Commerce Ministry has confirmed that all types of imports from Pakistan are now completely banned.
Earlier, direct trade between the two countries had already been suspended. However, the latest move also blocks indirect imports, marking a significant escalation. The commerce ministry is currently preparing a comprehensive list of products that will be banned from both imports and exports involving Pakistan.
According to the official notification of the Ministry of Commerce, India has imposed an immediate ban on direct and indirect imports of all goods from Pakistan. A provision related to this ban has been added in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, stating that until further notice, all goods being imported from or exported to Pakistan – whether directly or indirectly – are prohibited with immediate effect. This update was officially notified on May 2.
Govt Approval Needed for Any Exception
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in its notification that this ban has been imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this ban will require prior permission from the Government of India. This means that if any goods are sent from or to Pakistan for the purpose of trade, it will be mandatory to take approval from the Government of India.
Pakistani Ships Banned from Indian Ports
In another directive issued under Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, the Directorate General of Shipping has taken a significant step by banning Pakistani-flagged ships from entering any Indian port. Additionally, Indian-flagged ships have also been banned from docking at any port in Pakistan.
This directive, issued in the national interest and to protect India’s maritime assets and infrastructure, has come into effect with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders. The purpose of this order is to strengthen maritime security amid the current geopolitical situation.
What Did India Export to Pakistan?
Before the trade ban was imposed between the two countries, India mainly exported cotton, chemicals, food products, medicines and spices to Pakistan. Apart from this, commodities like tea, coffee, dyes, onions, tomatoes, iron, steel, sugar, salt and auto parts were also sent to Pakistan through third countries.
What Did India Import from Pakistan?
Earlier, India used to import products like cement, gypsum, fruits, copper and salt from Pakistan. But after 2019, imports dropped to almost zero. India’s imports from Pakistan in 2024 were only $4.8 million, limited to essential commodities like rock salt and Multani soil. Now these imports will also stop completely.
