National security comes before trade — India sends a clear message with its import ban on Pakistan

The Indian government has decided to stop all imports from Pakistan after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people lost their lives. The attack happened on April 22, and India believes that the terrorists came from across the border.

The decision was officially announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). From now on, no goods can be imported from Pakistan, either directly or through another country. The government said this step was taken for the safety and security of the country.

Although trade between India and Pakistan has already been very low in recent years, this ban will still affect some industries in Pakistan. Items like food, medicines, and raw materials were still being traded in small amounts. In the last financial year, India imported goods worth only $0.42 million from Pakistan.

This move is part of a series of actions taken by India. The government has also canceled visas for Pakistani nationals, sent Pakistani diplomats back, and stopped cooperating under the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan responded by closing its airspace to Indian flights and pulling out of some old agreements between the two countries.

The growing tension between the two neighbors has caused concern around the world. Many experts are urging both countries to solve their issues through talks instead of more restrictions.

For now, India has made it clear: no trade with Pakistan until strong steps are taken to stop terrorism.