Pakistan has imposed a ban on Indian ships accessing its ports, a tit-for-tat move following India’s decision on Saturday to prohibit Pakistani vessels and goods from entering its ports or importing through third countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s resolve, stating, “The nation is committed to taking decisive action against terrorists and their supporters.” The escalating measures reflect deepening tensions between the two neighbors.

According to Pakistani media, late Saturday, Pakistan issued an order barring Indian ships from its ports while also prohibiting Pakistani vessels from docking at Indian harbors. A statement from Pakistani authorities emphasized, “These steps, effective immediately, safeguard national security, economic interests, and maritime sovereignty.” The decision comes amid heightened friction following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, souring bilateral ties further.

Post-Pahalgam, India implemented a series of punitive measures, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty, closing the Attari border crossing, and downgrading diplomatic relations. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) confirmed that, alongside barring Pakistani ships from Indian ports, Indian vessels are also prohibited from visiting Pakistani harbors. Additionally, India has halted all imports from Pakistan, tightening restrictions initially imposed after the 2019 Pulwama attack with a 200% import duty. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s military announced a successful test of the 450-km-range ‘Abdali’ missile, signaling its operational readiness.

As investigations into the Pahalgam attack intensify, Sri Lankan police searched a Chennai-Colombo flight based on intelligence suggesting a suspect linked to the massacre was aboard. Indian authorities have identified four terrorists behind the attack, including two Pakistani nationals. These developments underscore the fragile state of India-Pakistan relations, with both nations locking horns in a cycle of retaliatory actions, raising concerns about further escalation.