India Shuts Attari Border After Pahalgam Terror Attack. How Will It Impact Trade With Pakistan?

(MENAFN- Live Mint) Pahalgam terror attack: India responded to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam by announcing that it would shut the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari in Amritsar along the India-Pakistan border with immediate effect, and suspend the Indus treaty until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in a terror attack at the picturesque Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam in Anantnag district on April 22.

The decision to downgrade diplomatic ties with Pakistan in view of cross-border links to the Pahalgam terror attack was taken in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting held at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on April 23.

Where is Attari- Wagah Border?

Attari and Wagah refer to same international border between India and Pakistan. Attari is the name of the Indian village on the border, while Wagah is the name of the Pakistani village on the border.

Located at 28 kilometres from Amritsar, Attari is India's first Land Port and the only permitted land route for trade with Pakistan. Spread across 120 acres and directly connected to National Highway-I, the check post has played a crucial role in cross-border trade, particularly in imports from Afghanistan.

"Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 1st May 2025," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on April 23, clarifying that the route will remain open for returnees for a limited time.

How Significant is Attari Border?

The check post at Attari has been a critical trade conduit between India and Pakistan, handling a variety of goods. Exports to Pakistan such as soybean, chicken feed, vegetables, red chilies, plastic dana, and plastic yarn travel through this route.

Imports from Pakistan comprise dry fruits, dry dates, gypsum, cement, glass, rock salt, and various herbs. The corridor continued to facilitate the exchange of goods and people, despite ongoing tensions and a decline in volumes trade since 2018.

How will impact the trade between India and Pakistan?

The Attari-Wagah corridor has seen fluctuating trade and passenger movement figuresin the last few years. In 2023-24, for example, the land port recorded trade worth ₹3,886.53 crore with 6,871 cargo movements and 71,563 passenger crossings, according to a report in Times of India.

The closure of the Attari Land Port will have significant economic repercussions on the movement of goods and passengers. Small traders and manufacturers who rely on this cross-border exchange will be affected the most, according to reports.

Afghan imports into India and vice versa, many of which pass through Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah route, may also face logistical challenges.

The closure of the Attari Land Port will have significant economic repercussions on the movement of goods and passengers.

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