Event | Ban on imports and transit of Pakistani goods |
Date of Announcement | May 2, 2025 |
Issuing Authority | Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
Reason for Ban | National security and public policy following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack |
Scope of Ban | Prohibits direct and indirect imports or transit of Pakistani goods, including via UAE, Singapore, Colombo |
Key Loophole Addressed | Third-country transhipments used to bypass direct trade restrictions |
Major Goods Affected | Pakistani dates, dry fruits, cement, gypsum, glass, herbs, rock salt |
Trade Figures | Bilateral trade fell from Rs 4,370.78 crore (2018-19) to Rs 2,257.55 crore (2022-23), briefly rose to Rs 3,886.53 crore (2023-24) |
India's Exports to Pakistan | Soya bean, poultry feed, red chillies, vegetables, plastic granules, yarn |
Pakistan's Exports to India | Dry fruits, dates, cement, gypsum, glass, herbs, rock salt |
Trade Potential | World Bank estimates $37 billion, but actual trade hovers around $2 billion |
Cargo Movement Decline | From 49,102 consignments (2018-19) to 3,827 (2022-23) |
Additional Measures | Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty, closure of Attari-Wagah border, downgrading of diplomatic ties, border security upgrades |
Multilateral Engagement | India to engage World Bank, IMF, ADB to curb financial aid to Pakistan |