India prohibits indirect imports directly from Pakistan

The Foreign Secretary in the notice said that this restriction was imposed on the interests of national security and public policy. File | Image source: Reuters

“India has banned imports from Pakistan directly or indirectly from Pakistan,” the Ministry of Commerce notice said.

It said in its notice of 2 May 2025 that a provision has been added in this regard to prohibit the direct or indirect import or transit of all commodities directly or exported from Pakistan until further orders”.

The State Administration of Foreign Affairs (DGFT) in the notice said the restrictions were for the benefit of national security and public policy. Any exception to this ban will require approval from the Indian government.

It inserts into the FTP with the provisions of “banning import from Pakistan”, which says: “The direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating from Pakistan or exporting from Pakistan, whether freely imported or otherwise permitted, should be immediately prohibited until valid until further order.” The decision comes after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people, mainly tourists, were killed on April 22.