Sunday , 04 May, 2025 | 20 বৈশাখ, 1432 Bangabdo
Published: 08:27 3 May 2025
After the deadly attack in Pahelgam, Jammu and Kashmir, tensions have reached a peak in bilateral relations with Pakistan. In the meantime, the Indian government has taken strict steps - Delhi has announced a complete ban on the import of all types of goods from Pakistan from Friday (May 2).
India's Ministry of Commerce said in a government order that no goods manufactured in Pakistan or exported from the country will be allowed to enter Indian territory. The order will come into effect immediately. NDTV quoted it as saying that this ban has been issued in the interest of national security and public policy.
The government document also states that the permission of the central government will be required to relax this ban in any special case.
Tensions started around the Pahelgam attack
On April 22, 26 people lost their lives in an armed attack on a bus carrying tourists in Pahelgam, Jammu and Kashmir. India claims that Pakistan-backed militant groups are behind the attack. However, Islamabad has flatly denied the allegations and said that India has not yet been able to provide any evidence.
One countermeasure after another
Since the Pahelgam attack, India-Pakistan relations have rapidly deteriorated. India first suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, then canceled visas for Pakistani citizens and closed the Wagah-Attari border crossing.
In response, Pakistan threatened to expel Indian diplomats. It hinted at the cancellation of the Shimla Agreement and stopped visas for Indians. Islamabad has even closed the important border trade route with India.
Tensions also in the airspace and border
Both countries have closed their airspace for each other's aircraft. There have also been reports of both sides deploying troops and engaging in gunfire along the Line of Control.
On Thursday (May 1), the Pakistan army conducted a full-scale military exercise along the Line of Control. India made the announcement the very next day, which further complicated the situation.
Fears of war, diplomatic activity by the US
The Pakistani government claims that India has such 'special intelligence' on the basis of which it can soon launch a military operation. On the other hand, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been meeting with his security advisers for two consecutive days. The military has been given 'complete freedom of response as required'.
The tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbors has spread extreme anxiety across South Asia. The US has started diplomatic activities to avert the possibility of war.
Advertisement