Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 3: In a sweeping move following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, the Indian government on Saturday suspended all inbound mail and parcel exchanges from Pakistan via both air and surface routes.
The ministry of communications issued a formal notification, stating, “The Government of India has decided to suspend exchange of all categories of inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes.”
The announcement came hours after India imposed a total ban on all imports from Pakistan, whether direct or indirect.
In a separate notification, the ministry of commerce stated, “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.”
Citing national security and public policy, the government clarified that any exception would require prior approval from the Centre.
Escalating its response, India also barred Pakistan-flagged vessels from entering its ports. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said the move is intended to safeguard Indian assets, cargo, and infrastructure. The directive also restricts India-flagged vessels from docking in Pakistan.
“The objective is to foster the development and ensure the efficient maintenance of an Indian mercantile marine, in a manner best suited to serve national interests,” the ministry noted.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a joint press briefing with Angolan President Joao Lourenco, reaffirmed India’s resolve to act firmly against terrorism.
“We are firmly united in our stance against terrorism. I expressed my gratitude to President Lourenco and the people of Angola for their sympathies to those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack,” Modi said.
He added, “India remains committed to taking decisive action against terrorists and their backers. We appreciate Angola’s support in this fight.”