India Bans Pakistani-Flagged Ships from Its Ports Amid Heightened Security Concerns

Merchant Shipping Act Invoked as Bilateral Maritime Access is Suspended

New Delhi, May 3, 2025 — In a decisive move aimed at bolstering national maritime security, the Government of India has banned all Pakistani-flagged vessels from entering Indian ports. Simultaneously, Indian ships will also not be permitted to dock at any port in Pakistan, effectively suspending bilateral maritime access

until further notice.

The directive was issued under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and is effective immediately. Officials have confirmed that no Pakistani commercial or cargo ships will be allowed entry into Indian territorial waters, regardless of cargo or origin. Indian ports have been instructed to enforce the restriction without exception.

Exceptions Only with Special Approval

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways clarified that any exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and only with explicit approval from the central government. This clause has been included to accommodate urgent humanitarian or diplomatic considerations, should they arise.

This move aligns with a broader series of economic and diplomatic measures undertaken by India in response to recent escalations in border tensions

and security threats emanating from across the border. Notably, India recently imposed a complete ban on all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan.

Strategic Implications for Regional Trade

Analysts view the maritime ban as a significant disruption to regional logistics and trade routes, especially for third-party cargo movements that previously used intermediary ports. This action is expected to affect both bilateral trade

and private shipping firms that operated in the corridor between the two countries.

As India continues to fortify its national security framework, experts predict increased scrutiny of vessels flagged by countries with whom diplomatic relations are strained.