India has recently taken a major step by banning all imports from Pakistan. This decision came right after a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed many lives. The government’s move is aimed at protecting national security and public interest, and it has immediate effects on trade, shipping, and even postal services between the two countries.
The ban covers every single product coming from Pakistan, whether it arrives directly or through another country. It also applies to goods sent by post, courier, or even by ship. Pakistani ships are no longer allowed to dock at Indian ports, and Indian ships can’t visit Pakistani ports. All mail and parcels between the two countries have also been stopped.
After the Pahalgam attack, which was linked to terrorists trained in Pakistan, India decided to act firmly. The government wants to block any possible route for Pakistani goods to enter India, not just through official trade but also through third countries or indirect channels. This is to make sure that nothing from Pakistan can slip through the cracks and threaten India’s safety or economy.
Which Pakistani Products Will Be Missed?
Most Indian consumers won’t notice much difference because trade between the two countries was already very limited. However, some special items that used to come from Pakistan may become harder to find or more expensive:
- Himalayan Pink Salt (Sendha Namak): Sourced from Pakistan’s famous Khewra salt mines, this salt is popular during religious fasts and in Ayurvedic practices. With imports stopped, prices may go up until Indian or other alternatives are found.
- Dry Fruits (Almonds, Walnuts, Figs, Raisins): Dry fruits from Balochistan and Peshawar were popular during festivals and winters. Their absence might lead to higher prices, but Indian and foreign alternatives are available.
- Peshawari Chappals and Lahori Kurtas: These traditional footwear and clothes were speciality items in Indian boutiques. With the ban, similar products may become costlier or less available.
- Pakistani Garments and Salwar Suits: Fashion lovers who prefer Pakistani designs may find it difficult to get these items now.
- Herbs (like Basil and Rosemary): Some speciality herbs from Pakistan may see a price hike, but the overall impact will be small.
- Copper and Raw Hides: These are used in industries, and their prices might change for some manufacturers.
What Did India Import and Export?
India used to import a small list of items from Pakistan, such as watermelon, muskmelon, cement, rock salt, dry fruits, stones, lime, cotton, steel, optical items for glasses, organic chemicals, metal compounds, leather goods, copper, sulfur, fabrics, slippers, and Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth).
On the other hand, India exported things like coconuts, fruits, vegetables, tea, spices, sugar, oilseeds, animal feed, dairy products, plastic products, pharmaceuticals, salt, motor parts, dyes, and coffee to Pakistan.
Will the Ban Affect Indian Consumers?
For most people in India, the impact will be very small. The country’s imports from Pakistan had already dropped to just about $0.5 million a year due to earlier restrictions and high tariffs. Most of the goods that came from Pakistan can also be sourced from within India or from other countries. So, except for a few niche products like Himalayan pink salt or certain dry fruits, prices and availability should remain mostly stable.
The ban is seen as a strong political message rather than an economic blow. Trade between India and Pakistan had already shrunk to a trickle. The main effect will be on specialty products and the border economy. For the average Indian, there’s little to worry about.
Even before the ban, many Pakistani goods were entering India through third countries like the UAE, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Indonesia. These goods were often repackaged or relabeled to hide their true origin. The new ban aims to stop this by blocking both direct and indirect imports, making it much harder for Pakistani products to reach Indian markets through backdoor routes.
