India tightens trade noose: Extends ban on Pakistan-origin goods via third countries after Pahalgam attack
NEW DELHI : India has banned all imports and transit of goods from Pakistan, including those routed through third countries like the UAE. following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is intercepting suspicious shipments, even those already in transit before the May 2 order. Pakistani dry fruits and dates are under scrutiny, with India raising concerns with the UAE. The Attari border trade point was shut on April 24, halting ₹3,886 crore in trade. Bilateral trade, once promising, has dwindled to $2 billion, marking a steep decline in economic ties.
India has escalated its crackdown on goods coming from Pakistan, even if they are sent through third countries like the UAE. According to a report by The Indian Express, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has started imposing a comprehensive transit ban, given the Ministry of Commerce and Industry notification issued on May 2. The decision has been taken in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 civilians were killed.
All the incoming consignments that have suspected Pakistani links have been scrutinized by the Customs officials. Even shipments that were already in the process of transit are also being stalled. A government official stated to The Indian Express that, ”In certain ports, the DRI has taken action, including stopping Pakistani-flagged vessels from docking.” Traders who have been impacted by the sudden curtailment have raised concerns about financial losses. On the other hand, officials mentioned that stringent measures are mandatory to stop the misuse of trade routes.
Products like dry fruits and dates shipments are under scrutiny
There are growing doubts that items like dry fruits and Pakistani dates are being relabelled in the UAE and are being sent to India. Although rules of origin certificates are presented with such shipments, Customs officers have reportedly identified discrepancies during the label checks and physical examination.
India has further taken up the issue with the UAE authorities, who have stated that dates are produced locally. Officials have mentioned that the strong notification now serves as a restraint for the misuse of transit routes.
India has already shut down the Attari integrated check post on April 24 and ended direct trade with Pakistan. The annual bilateral trade had once reached Rs 4,370 crore in 2018-19, it has dropped Rs 2,257 crore by 2022-23. Despite a recovery that was registered in 2023-24, current ongoing tensions have pushed both neighbours apart.
Source : Indian Express
