Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 8: In a sweeping move reflecting the deepening rift with Pakistan, India on Thursday banned all Pakistan-origin content on OTT platforms, digital intermediaries, and streaming services operating within its borders. The decision comes in the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which New Delhi has blamed on Pakistan-sponsored elements.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a formal advisory instructing all relevant platforms to immediately discontinue access to web series, films, songs, podcasts, and any other streaming content originating from Pakistan, citing national security concerns.
The advisory underscored the “established cross-border linkages with Pakistan-based state and non-state actors” in recent terror attacks, including the Pahalgam massacre, which left 26 people dead, including several tourists and one Nepali citizen.
“In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms and media intermediaries are advised to cease access to any Pakistan-origin content, regardless of whether it is available via subscription or freely,” the ministry stated.
India's response to the attack has been decisive. On May 7, the country launched precision strikes against nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These operations, conducted from within Indian airspace, avoided military targets to prevent escalation, signaling a calibrated yet firm message.
The diplomatic fallout has been severe. India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, demanding that Pakistan take verifiable steps to dismantle terror networks. New Delhi has also frozen cross-border trade, revoked visas for all Pakistani nationals, and ordered the closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari — a vital trade and transit point.
Adding to the measures, India has expelled Pakistan’s military attachés and related personnel from its High Commission in Delhi, while withdrawing its own military officials from Islamabad.
This unprecedented series of actions reflects India's hardening stance against what it calls “unrelenting cross-border terrorism,” and marks a new low in Indo-Pakistani relations.