India suspends exchange of all categories of mail, parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes

India on Saturday suspended exchange of all categories of inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes.

ET had earlier reported that there was a possibility of suspending postal exchanges between the two countries.

This follows the ban on imports and ships earlier in the day as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to grow after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam in India's Kashmir on April 22.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in a notice on May 2 that the ban will come into force immediately. The Indian government has inserted a new Para 2.20A in Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, calling it Prohibition on Import from Pakistan.

"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. This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition shall require prior approval of the Government of India," DGFT said in the notification dated May 2.

The trade ban is expected to hit Pakistan's struggling export sector, which relies on cross-border trade for goods like cement, textiles, and agricultural produce. With formal trade already limited, the move could also disrupt informal trade routes and worsen economic pressures.

Furthermore, according to an official directive issued earlier in the day, any vessel bearing the flag of Pakistan is barred from visiting Indian ports, while Indian-flagged ships are likewise prohibited from docking at ports in Pakistan.

The government cited national security concerns, stating the order was implemented to “ensure the safety of Indian assets, cargo, and related infrastructure, in public interest and for the interest of Indian shipping.” The directive took effect immediately and will remain in force until further notice.