No ships, imports and mail: India’s new punishing measures against Pakistan after Pahalgam attack

The tension between India and Pakistan has spilled over into the shipping lanes and trade routes, as New Delhi ramps up its response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

In a sharp escalation, India has barred Pakistan-flagged merchant vessels from docking at any Indian port. Alongside this, it has also announced a complete ban on all goods imported directly or indirectly from Pakistan. Moreover, India has also banned all postal services from the country.

These three moves are the latest in a string of firm actions taken by the Indian government following the
terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists with families and children.

Described as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent memory, the incident has sparked nationwide grief and outrage. PM Modi also vowed retribution, saying, “India will identify and punish every terrorist, and those behind them. We will pursue them to the ends of the world.”

Since day one, India’s response has grown increasingly assertive against Pakistan, sending a clear message of zero tolerance for harbouring terrorism. Here’s a closer look at what’s unfolded so far.

No entry for Pakistani ships in India

India has officially barred Pakistani-flagged ships from entering Indian ports and also restricted Indian vessels from entering ports of the neighbouring country, an order issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), states.

“This order is issued to ensure safety of Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure, in public interest and for interest of Indian shipping," the DGS said on Saturday, adding that the order shall be enforced with immediate effect and will stay in place until further notice.

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The restriction has been imposed under Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. This section authorises the DGS to issue directives to safeguard national interests and protect Indian shipping. It applies to Indian-flagged ships across the globe and to foreign-flagged ships operating in Indian waters, primarily to ensure the safety of life at sea and the vessels themselves.

Interestingly, the order is specific to ships bearing Indian and Pakistani flags. This means vessels registered under third-country flags may still be permitted to operate between the two nations’ ports.

The DGS also clarified that any “exemption or dispensation” from the ban would be reviewed and decided on a case-by-case basis, leaving room for potential exceptions under certain circumstances.

Ban on all imports from Pakistan

In another significant escalation, India has imposed a blanket ban on all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan.

According to a fresh notification issued by the Commerce Ministry, a new provision has been added to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) that prohibits the “direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan with immediate effect until further orders". The ministry clarified that the move is being enforced in the interest of national security and public policy.

This comes on the heels of India’s decision to close trade operations through the Attari-Wagah border — the only land-based trading route between the two countries. In a retaliatory move, Pakistan too has suspended all trade with India. The shutdown is expected to bring an end to cross-border trade worth approximately Rs 3,886 crore.

Though Pakistan’s direct exports to India have remained minuscule in recent years, some goods continued to enter Indian markets through indirect routes via ports in the UAE, Singapore and Sri Lanka. These typically included commodities like dry fruits, dates, gypsum, cement, glass, rock salt and herbs. In 2023–24, India’s imports from Pakistan stood at just $3 million (Rs 25.37 crore).

However, the latest ban could severely affect Pakistan as its pharmaceutical sector is heavily dependent on Indian supplies for several key raw materials.

Ban on Pakistani postal services & websites

The day’s third measure by India was to a ban all physical mail and parcels from Pakistan.

“Government of India has decided to suspend exchange of all categories of inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes,” the Centre said in an order.

Alongside this, India is also exploring the possibility of blocking access to Pakistani IP addresses, which could affect digital communication and internet-based services between the two countries.

No-fly zone for Pakistani airlines

Last week, India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), effectively closing its airspace to all aircraft registered, operated, or leased by Pakistan, including commercial airlines and military flights.

The airspace ban came into effect on April 30 and will remain in place until May 23, 2025.

This restriction will force Pakistani carriers, such as Pakistan International Airlines, to reroute their flights via longer paths through China and Sri Lanka, significantly increasing flight durations and operational costs.

In retaliation, Islamabad has also closed its airspace to Indian airlines.

India’s twin financial strikes

According to reports citing sources, New Delhi is likely to push for Pakistan’s reinstatement on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

If successful, this would subject Pakistan to heightened global scrutiny over its financial transactions, making it harder to attract foreign investment and access international capital markets.

The second move targets the $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) aid package that Pakistan secured in July 2024. India is expected to formally raise concerns over the deal, alleging that the funds could be misused to support terror-linked activities.

If pursued aggressively, these steps could deepen Pakistan’s economic challenges at a time when its financial recovery remains fragile.

Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

A day after the Pahalgam attack, New Delhi suspended the  Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with immediate effect.

The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs the sharing of the Indus River system between the two countries and is vital for Pakistan’s agriculture, which depends heavily on these waters.

Reacting to India’s suspension of the pact, Pakistan warned that any interference with the water flow would be treated as “an act of war”.

Declare all Pakistani diplomats as ‘persona non grata’

India has also downgraded diplomatic ties with its neighbour — defence/military, naval and air advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata, and were given a week to leave the country.

It also announced it would withdraw its defence staff from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and bring down the overall strength of the High Commissions to 30 from the existing 55 through further reductions, done by May 1.

Ban on all Pakistani visas

India announced that all existing visas to Pakistani nationals were to be cancelled with effect from April 27 and suspend visa services for them.

India also issued a “Leave India” notice to all Pakistani nationals, except those on long-term permits and Pakistani Hindus, residing in the country. They were directed to leave by April 30, following which the Attari Wagah boder was shut.

Ban on YouTube channels and personalities

Last week, India banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including Dawn News, Geo News, and Samaa TV, for allegedly spreading false and misleading narratives against India.

It also banned Instagram accounts of Pakistani artists such as Hania Amir, Atif Aslam, Mahira Khan, among others, while also refusing to release ‘ Abir Gulal’ movie starring actor Fawad Khan.

Pakistan has also retaliated by pulling off an Indian song from its radio stations.

With input from agencies