May 8, 2025

New Restrictions on Cargo Movement Between India and Pakistan

Recent geopolitical developments have significantly impacted cargo movement between India and Pakistan. In response to the evolving situation, both nations have introduced new restrictions affecting ocean and air freight services. 

Ocean Freight Update 

India

• All trade (imports and exports) to/from Pakistan is currently restricted.
• Pakistan-flagged vessels are prohibited from transiting Indian territorial waters. 
• Vessels carrying Pakistan-origin cargo that departed before the ban are not permitted to berth at Indian ports until that cargo is discharged elsewhere. 
• Pakistan-origin containers, including empty, transshipment, and in-transit units, are now banned. 
• Pakistan-owned or managed airlines are no longer permitted to use Indian airspace.

Pakistan

• Imports, transits, and exports of Indian-origin goods, including those routed via third countries, are now prohibited.
• All exports to India transiting through Pakistan are also restricted.

Carrier Adjustments & Alternative Routing 

• Ocean carriers are actively rerouting services to minimize supply chain disruption. Key alternate transshipment hubs include Dubai, Colombo, and Singapore. 
• CMA CGM has suspended calls to Karachi until further notice.
• MSC is routing all Pakistan cargo via Colombo. Stranded Pakistan cargo in Indian ports (Mundra and Nhava Sheva) may still be picked up, but no new Pakistan-bound cargo will be accepted.

Air Freight Update

• Most airlines are rerouting flights to avoid Pakistan's airspace.
• Air India has temporarily suspended flights on its Amritsar-Gatwick and Delhi-Tel Aviv routes.
• Airports near the Pakistan border in India have been closed since May 6 as a precautionary measure.
• No major international carriers have reported service disruptions, but we continue to monitor for updates. 

What This Means For You

Our team closely monitors the situation and works directly with carriers and local agents to ensure continuity wherever possible. If your cargo is potentially impacted, your Crane Worldwide representative will reach out directly to discuss rerouting or alternative solutions.