After Pahalgam Attack: Pakistan Closes Ports to Indian Ships as New Delhi Tightens Trade Restrictions

In the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, relations between India and Pakistan have significantly worsened. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including 25 tourists and one local, has triggered a series of retaliatory measures from both nations, further escalating tensions.

Immediate Diplomatic and Economic Measures

India’s response to the attack has been swift and harsh:

• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India announced the immediate suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of water from the Indus River system. This action followed accusations of Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism.
• Closure of the Wagah-Attari Border: The Wagah-Attari border, the only land crossing between the two countries, has been shut down, halting overland trade and intensifying the strain on bilateral relations.
• Expulsion of Pakistani Diplomats: India has expelled several Pakistani diplomats and withdrawn its own military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
• Ban on Imports from Pakistan: India imposed an immediate ban on all imports originating from or passing through Pakistan.
• Prohibition of Pakistani Ships: India has closed its ports to vessels flagged by Pakistan, preventing them from docking at Indian ports.

Pakistan’s Retaliatory Actions

In retaliation, Pakistan has also taken several countermeasures:

• Suspension of the Shimla Agreement: Pakistan has announced the suspension of the 1972 Shimla Agreement, which had long been the foundation for resolving disputes peacefully between the two nations.
• Closure of Airspace: Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, further isolating the two countries.
• Expulsion of Indian Diplomats: Pakistan has expelled Indian diplomats and reduced the staff at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
• Missile Test: Pakistan conducted a successful test of the Abdali surface-to-surface missile, demonstrating its military preparedness amid growing tensions.

Humanitarian and Economic Consequences

The suspension of trade between the two nations has resulted in several significant humanitarian and economic consequences:

• Pharmaceutical Shortages: Pakistan relies on India for a significant portion of its pharmaceutical raw materials. With trade suspended, there are growing concerns over shortages of critical medicines, including cancer therapies and anti-rabies vaccines.
• Economic Disruption: The closure of the Wagah-Attari border has severely impacted communities that depend on cross-border trade. Traders, workers, and businesses are facing economic hardship as a result of the trade halt.

Global Reactions

The international community has expressed concern over the escalating situation:

• United States: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has engaged with both Indian and Pakistani leaders, urging them to de-escalate tensions and work toward cooperation.
• United Nations: The UN Secretary-General has called for dialogue and offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to prevent further escalation.

Conclusion

The Pahalgam attack has acted as a catalyst for a sharp deterioration in India-Pakistan relations. The retaliatory measures from both countries have not only impacted their diplomatic and economic ties but have also heightened fears of further conflict in the region. The international community continues to monitor the situation, advocating for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to avoid a broader confrontation.