India Bans Pakistani Ships from Ports After Pahalgam Attack, Tightens Maritime Security

In a bold response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, India imposes a sweeping ban on Pakistani-flagged ships and restricts Indian vessels from docking in Pakistan, citing national security concerns under the Merchant Shipping Act.

May 3, 2025: In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the Indian government has escalated its measures against Pakistan by banning all Pakistani-flagged ships from entering Indian ports, while also prohibiting Indian vessels from docking in Pakistan. The decision, made by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is effective immediately under Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.

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The official order states that the move is necessary to safeguard Indian assets, cargo, and port infrastructure, and that the ban will remain in place until further notice. Any potential exemptions will be reviewed case-by-case by the authorities.

“A ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian port, and an Indian-flagged ship shall not visit any ports of Pakistan,” the order reads.

This maritime embargo adds to a string of retaliatory actions by India following the April 22 attack in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan-backed terrorists. Other measures include:

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• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a decades-old water-sharing pact
• Closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari, halting cross-border movement
• Reduced staffing at Indian and Pakistani High Commissions
• Complete import ban on Pakistani goods, both direct and indirect

Pakistan’s exports to India had already dwindled after the 2019 Pulwama attack, when India imposed a 200% duty on Pakistani goods. In FY 2024–25, Pakistani imports constituted less than 0.0001% of India’s total import volume.

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This latest maritime decision underscores India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and reinforces its focus on strengthening national and economic security in light of continued cross-border threats.

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