India closes Attari border with Pakistan: What it means for regional trade

India has announced the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, its primary land trade route with Pakistan, following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that left 28 tourists dead.

The move, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, was formally announced by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday.

“Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 1st May 2025,” Misri stated, noting that the border would remain open temporarily for returnees.

The Attari Land Port, situated approximately 28 kilometres from Amritsar and connected to National Highway-1, has long served as the only official land corridor for trade and passenger movement between the two countries. It also plays a pivotal role in facilitating imports from Afghanistan.

In the financial year 2023–24, the port facilitated trade valued at INR 3,886.53 crore, alongside 6,871 cargo movements and 71,563 passenger crossings.

Key Indian exports through the corridor include soybean, vegetables, poultry feed, plastic granules, and red chillies. Imports have primarily consisted of dry fruits, rock salt, gypsum, cement, and medicinal herbs.

However, bilateral trade through this route has seen a steady decline since 2018–19, reflecting increased political tensions and intermittent border closures.

The sudden halt of cross-border operations is expected to have significant economic repercussions, particularly for small-scale traders and manufacturers dependent on the daily flow of goods.

Analysts warn that the closure may not only affect bilateral commerce but also disrupt the transit of goods from Afghanistan, many of which rely on the Attari-Wagah corridor for access to Indian markets.