India/Pakistan – Indian Prohibition on Pakistani Origin Cargo
8 May 2025
In light of the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan concerning the Kashmir region, Assureds should note the directive from the Government of India instituting a prohibition of cargo originating in/exported from Pakistan (click here) along with guidance from GAC, the correspondent in India, which is as follows:
QUOTE
Post the DGFT circular we have been receiving several queries on:
- Whether vessel carrying cargo - part discharge to Pakistan – 1st port, part to Indian ports or vice versa, will be allowed to berth in India or be given sailing clearance?
- Whether vessel visiting India and next port is Pakistan, will it be given port clearance?
- Vessel arriving from Pakistan in Ballast condition and next port is India, will it be allowed to berth?
Answer: Port clearance/berthing permissions for vessels are given on case-to-case basis by customs authorities.
If any recent vessels have been granted permission, it cannot be set as a precedent for all future cases.
Based on the current scenario, customs provide approvals on case-to-case basis.
It is advisable that member’s agents take prior confirmation/permissions from customs.
4. Any restrictions on Pakistani crew onboard vessels calling India?....
Answer:
Until date there are no restrictions OR Guidelines received from Indian authorities.
Furthermore, there are no guidelines imposing restrictions for employment of Pakistani Crew members on vessels calling at ports in India.
However, Crew change, Sign On/off for Pakistani Crew members - Restrictions are still there in Indian ports, which is the same as before and no new notification has come in this regard in recent times.
UNQUOTE
If Assureds require any further assistance, they should liaise with their usual Club contact.