In a significant escalation of diplomatic and economic measures, India has imposed a ban on all Pakistan-flagged ships from entering its territorial waters, following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.
The directive, issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, states that no ship bearing the Pakistani flag will be allowed to dock at any Indian port. Additionally, Indian-flagged vessels are now barred from visiting ports in Pakistan. The order cites national security and the protection of Indian maritime infrastructure as the primary reasons behind the decision.
"This move has been taken to safeguard Indian assets, cargo, and maritime infrastructure, and is aligned with the broader objectives of strengthening Indian shipping," the ministry said in its statement.
The ban takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice. Requests for exemptions will be reviewed individually by the Indian government.
This action comes shortly after India also halted all imports — both direct and indirect — from Pakistan. The Ministry of Commerce issued a notification stating that goods originating from or transiting through Pakistan are prohibited from being imported into India, regardless of existing trade permissions.
“These steps are taken in the interest of national security and public policy,” the notification emphasised, noting that any exceptions to the ban would require explicit government approval.