Pahalgam terror attack: Navigation alert issued for certain parts of Arabian Sea

In response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, India has imposed a ban on Pakistani-flagged ships entering its ports and restricted Indian vessels from docking at Pakistani ports, according to a directive issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Saturday. The measures, effective immediately and until further notice, aim to safeguard Indian maritime assets, cargo, and infrastructure, as stated by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).

The DGS order emphasized that the restrictions are in the public interest and for the benefit of Indian shipping, citing the need to protect national security following the deadly attack. The ministry also noted that the decision aligns with efforts to promote the growth and maintenance of India’s merchant navy in a manner that serves the nation’s interests.

This maritime ban is part of a broader set of actions taken by India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, which targeted mostly tourists in the Baisaran area. Other measures include suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, halting all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan, and closing the Attari-Wagah border crossing. India has also downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan, reflecting the escalating tensions between the two nations.

Pakistan, in retaliation, has barred Indian ships from its ports and closed its airspace to Indian airlines, further deepening the diplomatic rift. The attack, described as the deadliest on civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir in two decades, has prompted India to attribute responsibility to Pakistan, alleging cross-border linkages to the incident. Pakistan has denied these claims and called for a neutral international investigation.

International responses have included calls for restraint from countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, urging both nations to resolve the crisis through diplomatic channels. The United States has expressed support for de-escalation, with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker meeting Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss regional developments, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office. The UN Security Council may consider the matter if a formal request is made, said Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, President of the Council for May.

The maritime restrictions mark a significant escalation in India’s response to the Pahalgam attack, signaling a firm stance against terrorism while intensifying the ongoing diplomatic and economic measures against Pakistan.