Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 17: India has stepped up scrutiny of imports from Gulf countries, particularly the UAE and Iran, along with major transshipment hubs, to prevent indirect entry of goods originating from Pakistan. The move follows a complete ban imposed on Pakistani imports after the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed 26 lives.
Officials confirmed that a more stringent verification of product labels and origin rules is underway, especially after concerns emerged that Pakistani dates were entering India via the UAE in what was seen as a misuse of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
“Imports from transshipment hubs like the UAE and other countries are being scrutinised for Pakistani goods,” said a senior official. Under the rules of origin, a product’s source is determined to assess its eligibility for trade concessions. However, the official noted that identifying products with value addition in third countries is more complex and requires detailed checks.
On May 2, the government formally prohibited the “direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan,” citing national security and public policy interests. Any exemptions, the commerce ministry stated, would require prior approval from the Government of India.
India's imports from Pakistan between April and February of FY25 stood at $2.88 million, largely comprising plants, seeds, dates, figs, and malt extracts. Trade had already plummeted since 2019, after India imposed a 200% duty on Pakistani goods in response to the Pulwama terror attack. Though India granted Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan in 1996, the latter never reciprocated.
Trade data reveals that India imported dates worth $270.4 million in the April–February period of FY25, with $123.82 million worth coming from the UAE alone. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s exports to the UAE surged 28% to $1.2 billion in the July 2024–February 2025 period — raising red flags for Indian authorities tracking indirect trade routes.
Officials clarified that goods under transit are also subject to scrutiny, as the ban notification did not specify any exemption for in-transit consignments. “It’s easier to verify goods made entirely in one country, but harder when there’s value addition. We are increasing vigilance across all checkpoints,” said an official involved in the process.
India’s goods exports to the UAE during FY25 reached $36.63 billion, while imports from the Gulf nation stood at $63.42 billion, underscoring the depth of trade ties and the importance of preventing CEPA misuse amid heightened security concerns.