India Blocks Pakistani Goods via Third Countries Post-Pahalgam Attack
India has escalated its economic response to the Pahalgam terror attack by officially blocking the import of Pakistani goods that were previously entering through third countries. This decision, implemented by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), marks a tightening of the existing trade embargo and signals New Delhi’s continued resolve to sever economic ties with Pakistan until credible action is taken against terrorism.
Complete Ban on Pakistani Imports Including Indirect Routes
On May 2, 2025, the DGFT issued a formal notification banning the import and transit of any goods originating from or exported by Pakistan. The order explicitly includes products that were previously routed through third countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Singapore. These re-routed imports had served as a loophole since 2019, when India first suspended direct trade with Pakistan following the Pulwama attack.
Officials clarified that even if the final packaging, invoicing, or shipment labels showed a different country of export, any Pakistani origin goods would now be denied entry at Indian ports.
Operation Sindoor Tightens Scrutiny of Transshipment Channels
Under the broader framework of Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has increased inspection and verification procedures for all imports arriving from known transshipment hubs. Agencies such as the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs are working in tandem to detect origin misrepresentation.
Even shipments that had departed before the May 2 notification are being subjected to enhanced verification. In some cases, Customs has already intercepted goods suspected of Pakistani origin based on declarations, product categories, or previously known exporter profiles.
Major Blow to Pakistani Trade Networks
Analysts estimate that goods worth nearly $500 million annually entered India from Pakistan using indirect channels. Items such as textiles, cement, surgical equipment, and leather products were among the most commonly re-routed commodities. With the new ban in effect, Pakistani exporters are expected to lose a significant revenue stream, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on Indian end-users.
This move aligns with India’s broader policy of strategic economic retaliation, sending a clear message that any state complicit in cross-border terrorism will face sustained financial consequences.
Enforcement Actions Already Underway
Following the notification, authorities have already blocked docking permissions for multiple shipments suspected of Pakistani origin. The Ministry of Commerce has also instructed all importers and clearing agents to conduct rigorous due diligence to ensure their supply chains are not tainted by Pakistani products.
The government has made it clear that these restrictions will remain until further notice and may be extended to services or digital trade in the future. National security, officials say, will continue to take precedence over any economic consideration.
