Saturday, March 29, 2025
New Delhi, May 3, 2025 – In a major move reflecting escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian government has suspended all categories of mail and parcel services to Pakistan with immediate effect. The decision follows a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, in which 26 tourists were killed, sparking national outrage and prompting swift action from Indian authorities.
The suspension applies to both air and land routes. The India Post issued a public notice stating, “The Government of India has decided to suspend the transmission of all categories of mails and parcels to and from Pakistan, effective immediately, via both air and surface routes.”
This action is part of a broader set of restrictions India has imposed on Pakistan. The government has also announced:
A complete ban on imports from Pakistan.
Prohibition of Pakistani-flagged ships from entering any Indian ports.
The closure of the Attari border crossing, previously used for specific trade.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) formalized the import ban through a notification on May 2, citing national security and public policy interests. Imports of goods “originating in or exported from Pakistan” are now banned until further notice.
Postal exchanges between the two countries have long operated at a minimal level, especially after Pakistan suspended services in August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. While mail services were later restored, current hostilities have led to their complete halt once again.
Experts believe the postal service suspension will most deeply affect families and small businesses that rely on cross-border communication and deliveries. It may also impact Pakistan’s already strained economy, as some goods from India were still being routed via mail.
Between April 2024 and January 2025, India exported goods worth $447.6 million to Pakistan, while imports stood at only $4.2 million. The most common Pakistani imports included fruits, seeds, medicinal plants, and organic chemicals.
In another strong measure, India has barred Pakistani-flagged vessels from entering Indian ports and prohibited Indian-flagged ships from docking at Pakistani ports. The directive, enforced immediately, aims to safeguard Indian cargo, infrastructure, and national interests.
The government has also:
Expelled Pakistan’s military attaché.
Suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.
Shut down the Attari trade corridor.
These moves have effectively brought bilateral trade to a standstill, which had already declined sharply after the Pulwama attack in 2019. Pakistan had previously halted all trade, including third-party trade via its territory.
In FY 2023-24, India exported goods worth $1.18 billion to Pakistan and imported goods worth $28.8 million. In the preceding years, exports were $627.1 million (2022-23) and $513.8 million (2021-22), while imports were $20.1 million and $25.4 million, respectively.
