The authorities mentioned that some degree of trade with Pakistan persists through air and sea routes, though Pakistan has unilaterally ceased all enterprise through land borders.
Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, mentioned in Lok Sabha that whereas trade through land routes has been halted by Pakistan, transactions proceed by way of sea and air routes.
Previously, trade predominantly occurred through the Attari-Wagah border and Karachi port. However, land trade has ceased, whereas trade through sea and air routes persists.
Patel specified that trade by way of these routes includes numerous Indian ports and cargo complexes, together with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Inland Container Depot in Tughlakabad, Mundra SEZ, Air Cargo Complex Mumbai, and Air Cargo Complex Hyderabad.
Regarding the potential for trade with Central Asian international locations, Patel emphasised that India has not halted trade with Pakistan. However, any trade preparations with Central Asia necessitate transit through Pakistan’s territory. Thus, she reiterated that the accountability lies with Pakistan to facilitate trade routes.
“We have not stopped trade with Pakistan. With regard to trade with Central Asia, any of our trade transaction arrangements have to be through Pakistan. So, it is the responsibility of Pakistan to open the trade route”.
Patel highlighted that Pakistan unilaterally imposed the suspension of trade, emphasising that India didn’t provoke such motion. Consequently, Pakistan holds the accountability for allowing transit through its territory.
Patel mentioned the suspension of trade was “imposed unilaterally” by Pakistan, not by India. “So responsibility lies with Pakistan, as transit will have to take place through their territory,” she mentioned.
Pakistan suspended bilateral trade with India in 2019 and expelled the Indian High Commissioner in response to India’s abrogation of Article 370, which granted particular standing to Jammu and Kashmir. India maintains its need for regular neighbourly relations with Pakistan, contingent upon Islamabad creating an atmosphere free from terrorism and hostility for constructive engagement.
(With PTI inputs)
