Escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent military exchanges, have led to trade disruptions between the two countries. Both countries have also implemented port restrictions.
Port situation in India and Pakistan
Published 08 May 2025
Our local correspondents in India and Pakistan have provided the following updates on the current situation.
India
Port situation: Currently, all ports in India, including the ports close to the border with Pakistan, remain operational.
Impact on air traffic: For unknown reasons, the Bhuj, Kandla and Rajkot airports have suspended all services.
Trade restrictions: On 2 May 2025, India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry prohibited the import of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan directly or through any other trade route to India. On 3 May 2025, this was amended to read “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders”.
The Directorate General of Shipping of India has issued DGS Order 5 of 2025 prohibiting Pakistani-flagged vessels from calling at Indian ports and Indian-flagged vessels from calling at Pakistani ports. Furthermore, in late April, the DG Shipping also issued circular DGS Circular 15 of 2025 advising Indian seafarers on vessels calling at Pakistani ports to exercise caution.
Pakistan
Port situation: All Pakistani ports are functioning normally, with ships berthing and sailing without disruption, according to our local correspondent.
Trade restrictions: Pakistan's Ministry of Maritime Affairs has banned Indian-flagged vessels from docking at its ports and reciprocally barred Pakistani ships from calling at Indian ports. Additionally, on 4 May 2025, Pakistan's Ministry of Commerce issued SRO 750(I)/2025, imposing further trade restrictions. These new regulations prohibit:
the transit through Pakistan of goods of Indian origin, imported by third countries (via sea, land, and air),
goods imported from India by third countries (via sea and air), and
the exports of third countries to India (via sea, land, and air).
We have been advised that the above-mentioned prohibitions may apply to imports/exports for which B/L and LC were issued or established prior to the issuance of the above order, i.e. prior 4th May 2025.
Our correspondent is also aware of vessels being diverted due to the above-mentioned restrictions. Their advice can be found here.
Impact on crew change
As of now, neither country has released an official notification regarding the sign-on or sign-off of Pakistani or Indian crew members, respectively.
Key recommendations
Given the ongoing volatile security situation in both India and Pakistan, we strongly advise ship operators and masters trading in these waters to assess the risks associated with all port calls.
Continuous and careful monitoring of the evolving situation is strongly recommended. Masters should obtain the most current information from their local agents, local authorities, and Gard's correspondents.
All advice received from flag administrations and port authorities regarding the applicable safety and security measures should be strictly followed.
Furthermore, the escalating tensions can also lead to various contractual disputes. Given the intricate nature of the agreements and the specific circumstances of each voyage, navigating these disputes will require careful legal consideration. Members are encouraged to seek guidance from their Defence lawyers at Gard.
We are grateful to our correspondents James Mackintosh & Co Pvt Ltd, and AIV Private Limited for assisting with the above information.
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