MWE Correspondent
India has imposed a complete ban on Pakistani ships from entering its ports and has suspended all imports from Pakistan, escalating trade and diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The decision, announced on Saturday by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, comes amid heightened political strain and reflects a significant deterioration in bilateral relations. Officials cited “national security concerns” and “hostile activities” as reasons behind the move.
“With immediate effect, no Pakistani-flagged vessel will be allowed entry into any Indian port,” the statement read. “Additionally, all imports originating from Pakistan have been suspended until further notice.”
The suspension affects a range of goods, including textiles, cement, and agricultural products—sectors that have historically represented key components of the limited trade between the two countries.
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While trade between India and Pakistan has been minimal for years, this measure further isolates Islamabad economically. Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce has condemned the move, calling it “unilateral and politically motivated,” and warned it could further destabilize regional cooperation.
This development marks one of the most serious trade-related escalations in recent years and follows a series of diplomatic setbacks, including visa restrictions, airspace closures, and a near-total breakdown in official dialogue.
Analysts say the move is likely to have more symbolic than economic impact, but could fuel nationalist sentiments on both sides and complicate any future efforts at de-escalation or normalization.
No timeline has been provided for when the trade ban might be lifted, and both governments appear entrenched in their current positions.
