India is closely monitoring and conducting detailed inspections of imports from the UAE, Iran, and other Gulf countries, as well as specific transshipment points, to prevent the indirect entry of Pakistani products into the country through these routes.
In response to the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, India has implemented a total ban on goods from Pakistan, including those arriving via third-party nations. Consequently, Pakistan has halted all trade relations with India.
Authorities have heightened scrutiny of import labels and origin requirements for products from these countries. This action follows India’s earlier concerns expressed to the UAE regarding the influx of Pakistani dates into the market, which contravened the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
In FY25, India’s merchandise exports to the UAE reached $36.63 billion, while imports totaled $63.42 billion. From April to February of FY25, India’s date imports were valued at $270.4 million, with the UAE accounting for $123.82 million of this amount. The total imports of fresh and dried dates in FY24 were estimated at $277.25 million. Between July 2024 and February 2025, Pakistan’s exports to the UAE experienced a 28% increase, totaling $1.2 billion compared to the previous year. On May 2, the Indian government enacted a comprehensive ban on the importation or transportation of goods that originate from or are exported through Pakistan, whether directly or indirectly.
The commerce and industry ministry stated in a notification, ‘This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy.’ It further noted that any exceptions to this ban would require prior approval from the Indian government.
A government official remarked that while assessing imports from a single nation is relatively straightforward, the process becomes complex when value addition is involved, necessitating more rigorous verification processes.
‘Additionally, goods in transit are subject to scrutiny. India did not specify in the notification that goods in transit would be exempt from examination.
(Newsroom staff only edited this story for style from a syndicated feed)
