India has banned all imports from Pakistan as tensions between the two countries escalate following a deadly terrorist attack last month.
The Indian Ministry of Commerce stated that the measure was taken “in the interest of national security and public policy.” Exceptions to the ban will require prior government approval.
Tensions have risen after an attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir in which 25 Indian civilians and one Nepali were killed by pro-Pakistani separatists. Pakistan denies any involvement and has warned it will retaliate if India takes military action.
Both countries claim all of Kashmir but administer separate parts. Rebel groups in the Indian-administered region are fighting for independence or merging with Pakistan.
India has already decided to cancel visas for Pakistanis residing in India, expel diplomats, and restrict airspace access. Pakistan has announced its own retaliatory measures, including halting trade, closing its airspace, and expelling diplomats.
Trade between the two nations has significantly declined in recent years. India imported $420,000 worth of goods from Pakistan between April 2004 and January 2025, compared to $2.86 million during the same period the previous year. Indian exports to Pakistan fell from $1.1 billion to $448 million.
