NEW DELHI, May 3: In a significant move following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, India has imposed a ban on Pakistan-flagged ships from entering any Indian ports. This action intensifies India’s measures against Pakistan and follows the earlier suspension of all imports—direct and indirect—from the neighboring country.
According to an official directive from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the ban is being implemented citing national security concerns. The ministry stated that the decision is intended to “ensure the safety of Indian assets, cargo, and related infrastructure, in public interest and for the interest of Indian shipping.”
The directive also includes a prohibition on India-flagged vessels from docking at ports in Pakistan. “A ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian port, and an Indian-flagged ship shall not visit any ports of Pakistan,” the order stated. The directive takes effect immediately and will remain in force until further notice.
“The objective of the Act is to foster the development and ensure the efficient maintenance of an Indian mercantile marine, in a manner best suited to serve national interests,” the ministry noted. Any exemptions to this ban will require prior approval from the government and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Earlier, the Ministry of Commerce had announced a comprehensive ban on all imports from Pakistan. A notification stated: “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.” Like the port ban, this trade suspension was also justified on grounds of national security and public policy.
