Pahalgam Attack Aftermath: India Halts Incoming Mails and Parcels from Pakistan

On Saturday, the Indian government declared suspension of exchange of incoming mails and parcels from Pakistan by both air and land routes as a reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead, with most of them being tourists.

This move was taken after previous attempts to suspend all imports from Pakistan and not allow Pakistani-flagged ships to dock at Indian ports.

A notice released by the Ministry of Communications detailed the suspension of exchanges of mail and parcels, writing, "The Government of India has decided to suspend exchange of all categories of inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes."

Earlier today, India put in place a blanket ban on all imports, both direct and indirect, from Pakistan because of growing tensions between the two countries. A different notification by the Ministry of Commerce justified the move, saying, "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."

The notice went on to add that any exception to this prohibition would need advance consent from the Government of India and stressed that the prohibition was introduced "in the interest of national security and public policy."

As part of the actions, India also prohibited Pakistan-flagged vessels from entering its ports. A Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways directive banned Pakistan-flagged vessels from entering Indian ports and also prohibited Indian vessels from entering Pakistan's ports. The directive, based on national security reasons, was issued to safeguard the security of India's assets, cargo, and related infrastructure. This ban will continue till further notice.

The purpose of the Act is to promote the growth and provide for the effective maintenance of an Indian mercantile marine, in a way best calculated to meet national needs," the order made clear.

In a connected development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's strong position against terrorism while having a joint press conference with Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco. Prime Minister Modi underscored India's resolve against firm action against terrorism and its patrons, affirming, "We are firmly together in our position against terrorism. I conveyed my thanks to President Lourenco and the people of Angola for their condolences to the martyrs who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack."

He also claimed, "We are determined to take strong and firm measures against terrorists and those who sponsor them. We thank Angola for supporting us in our war against terrorism."