India maintains all measures against Pakistan following April 22 attack, including trade and visa restrictions - two government sources

India maintains all measures against Pakistan following April 22 attack, including trade and visa restrictions - two government sources

India continues to enforce a series of economic and diplomatic measures against Pakistan in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, most of them tourists. These measures, implemented by the Indian government, include a blanket ban on trade, suspension of mail exchanges, and restrictions on maritime and airspace access. The government has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed the Attari-Wagah border crossing.

The trade ban, effective since May 2, prohibits all imports and exports between India and Pakistan. This move has significantly impacted the limited trade between the two countries, which saw India export goods worth $1.18 billion to Pakistan in the period between April 2024 and January 2025, compared to just $2.88 million in imports [1]. The suspension of postal services and maritime restrictions have further strained relations, with Pakistani flagged vessels banned from docking at Indian ports and Indian vessels from entering Pakistani ports. Additionally, India has restricted Pakistani aircraft from entering its airspace, with a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on April 30 prohibiting all Pakistani-registered aircraft from flying in Indian airspace until at least May 23 [1].

The Indian government has also taken steps to curb misinformation, blocking 16 Pakistani YouTube channels and several Pakistani celebrities' accounts on Instagram. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing signal a strategic effort to isolate Pakistan on all fronts. However, Pakistan has responded with reciprocal measures, banning Indian flagged ships from entering its ports and conducting a missile test [1].

Amid escalating tensions, the US has urged India and Pakistan to find ways to de-escalate the conflict. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for urgent dialogue between the two nations to avoid further deterioration of bilateral relations. The US Department of State has reiterated its willingness to facilitate constructive talks between the two nuclear-armed nations [2].

References:
[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/trade-water-and-airspace-how-india-put-pressure-on-pakistan-after-pahalgam-terror-attack/articleshow/120870156.cms
[2] https://liveindia.tv/top/us-asks-india-pakistan-to-identify-methods-to-de-escalate-rubio-tells-jaishankar/