In March 2024, Pakistan experienced a significant increase in imports from India, reaching $278 million. This marked a notable surge of 48 percent compared to the same period the previous year, when imports stood at $185 million. Interestingly, this surge occurred despite Islamabad's embargo on trade with India, indicating a complex dynamic in bilateral economic relations.
During the caretaker government's tenure, the appointment of a Trade and Investment Officer (TIO) at Pakistan's Trade Mission in India was suspended. This decision adds a layer of context to the evolving trade scenario between the two nations, suggesting internal factors affecting diplomatic and trade strategies.
Formal trade channels between Pakistan and India have remained suspended since August 2019, a response to India's revocation of Article 370, which granted occupied Kashmir special status.
This move exacerbated tensions between the two countries, leading to a cessation of official trade activities.
Despite the suspension, there have been reports of partial resumptions in trade between Pakistan and India, as indicated by government sources. This nuanced situation underscores the complexities of diplomatic relations and economic interactions between the two neighboring nations, influenced by political decisions, trade policies, and regional dynamics.