1. A Trade Route Turned Cold

Until recently, trucks carrying goods across the India-Pakistan border weren’t an unusual sight. From cotton bales to dry fruits, the exchange may have been limited, but it was symbolic—a sign that, despite political drama, business could go on.

But after the Pahalgam terror attack, things changed overnight. The Indian government swiftly halted trade channels, effectively freezing a delicate line of communication.

This isn’t just about diplomacy anymore—it’s about jobs, markets, prices, and people. Whether you’re a logistics service provider, a freight delivery company, or just someone who enjoys affordable dry fruits from across the border, the impact is real.

So what exactly did we trade with Pakistan that’s now off the table? And why does it matter to you? Let’s dive into the facts that matter—not dusty history, but today’s headlines.

2. What Was Being Traded Before the Breakdown?

Contrary to what many think, India and Pakistan—despite their uneasy relationship—did engage in limited bilateral trade, especially through cross-border routes and designated trading points. Here’s a snapshot of the goods that used to cross the border:

India’s Major Exports to Pakistan:

• Pharmaceuticals – including lifesaving medicines

• Cotton and textiles – a major component of Pakistan’s textile industry

• Sugar and agricultural produce – like onions and tomatoes

• Chemicals and dyes – used in multiple Pakistani industries

Pakistan’s Major Exports to India:

• Cement – often used in northern Indian construction projects

• Dry fruits and nuts – such as almonds, apricots, and walnuts

• Rock salt – popular for both culinary and health uses

• Leather goods – including wallets, belts, and shoes

Before the freeze, trade between India and Pakistan stood at a relatively modest value—hovering around $500–700 million annually, mostly via land and road transport through border crossings like Wagah-Attari.

While this may seem small compared to India’s massive global trade footprint, it held huge local value, especially for border-state economies and freight logistics companies managing truck transport between the two nations.

3. The Plug Pulled: What Triggered the Suspension?

The trade freeze wasn’t gradual. It was sudden, reactive, and loud. The Pahalgam attack—a brutal assault that shook the nation—became the last straw.

In the days following the incident, the Indian government announced a complete suspension of trade with Pakistan, citing security concerns, rising hostilities, and the threat of misuse of trading routes for illegal activities.

And just like that, the trucks stopped rolling. Warehouses paused operations. Transport companies with cross-border operations had to re-route or shut down. Freight and transport services, especially those operating near the Punjab border, saw instant disruptions.

This wasn’t just about sending a diplomatic message—it was a strategic decision aimed at limiting all forms of cooperation, especially those that could be exploited during a war-like situation.

The move also sparked conversations around tightening customs, monitoring cross-border freight delivery, and rethinking trade logistics entirely.