Indian Imports into Pakistan Surge 69% Despite Suspension of Direct Trade: State Bank Data

Indian journalist Ravinder Singh Robin has raised questions over the continued inflow of Indian products into Pakistani markets despite the suspension of direct trade between Pakistan and India. Following his recent vlog highlighting the issue, official trade figures have also confirmed a significant increase in Pakistan's imports from India.

According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Pakistan imported goods worth $61.74 million from India between July and September 2026, compared with $36.55 million during the corresponding period last year. This represents an increase of approximately 69 per cent in Indian imports over the year.

Interestingly, Pakistan recorded no exports to India during the same period.

Direct trade between the two countries was suspended in April 2025 following heightened tensions after the Pahalgam attack. India subsequently closed the Wagah-Attari border crossing, while trade restrictions imposed by both sides severely disrupted bilateral commercial activities.

However, the latest figures indicate that Indian products continue to enter Pakistan despite the closure of direct trade routes. Trade experts suggest that these goods may be reaching Pakistani markets indirectly through third countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

Under this arrangement, Indian-origin products may be re-exported through intermediary countries before reaching Pakistan, allowing commercial transactions to continue despite restrictions on direct bilateral trade.

Demand for Indian products in Pakistan is believed to remain strong due to their availability, quality and the limited supply of alternative products in certain sectors. These include pharmaceutical raw materials, chemicals, plastics and some food items.

In his vlog, Robin also questioned how Indian products were continuing to reach Pakistan through third countries despite the suspension of direct commercial links, and why demand for these products remained unchanged in the Pakistani market.

The figures have raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of trade restrictions imposed by both countries. In particular, they have highlighted the extent to which indirect trade through third countries has continued despite the suspension of direct trade.

The latest trade data suggests that political tensions and official restrictions have not completely severed commercial links between the two markets. Instead, trade appears to have shifted towards indirect channels, with Indian-origin goods continuing to find their way into Pakistan.