Attari border closed: How it will impact trade with Pakistan

India has delivered an economic blow to Pakistan after the deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam that claimed 28 lives, announcing the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari.The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security and was 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,” said Misri, clarifying that the route will remain open for returnees only for a limited time.
Attari, located just 28 kilometres from Amritsar, 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.
The Attari-Wagah corridor has witnessed fluctuating figures in trade and passenger movement over the years. In 2023-24, the land port recorded trade worth Rs 3,886.53 crore with 6,871 cargo movements and 71,563 passenger crossings.
The Attari Land Port has long served as a critical trade conduit between India and Pakistan, handling a variety of goods. Key Indian exports through the route include soybean, chicken feed, vegetables, red chilies, plastic dana, and plastic yarn. On the other side, imports from Pakistan and beyond have largely comprised dry fruits, dry dates, gypsum, cement, glass, rock salt, and various herbs. The closure of the port is expected to significantly impact the movement of these goods, particularly affecting small traders and manufacturers who rely on this cross-border exchange.
However, volumes have generally declined since 2018-19, reflecting ongoing tensions and disruptions.
Rising tensions between India and Pakistan are set to deal yet another blow to an already fragile and faltering trading relationship. The decision is expected to affect small traders and industries who rely on these daily use items as a means of bread winning.
Moreover, Afghan imports into India and vice versa, many of which pass through Pakistan via this route, may also face logistical challenges.