India Calls for Quick Data on Pharma Exports to Pakistan

In the face of growing tensions in bilateral trade relations, the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has requested the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) to prepare a comprehensive list of medicines and pharmaceuticals being exported by India to Pakistan.

This order comes in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 dead. India has retaliated by accusing Pakistan of endorsing cross-border terrorism and has promised a series of retaliatory actions. Pakistan has refuted the allegations and responded with its own actions, including suspending trade relations with India.

The DoP, functioning under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, has sought the export data from Pharmexcil, an agency working under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on a priority basis.

A top government official informed that Pharmexcil is in the process of compiling and submitting the information. Exports to Pakistan were $191.36 million in FY2023, and then $176.54 million in FY2024. Present estimates put trade at around $200 million.

“Dubai is a major business trading centre for Pakistan. While India exports medicines and pharma products to the UAE, in turn, Pakistan imports from these countries," another government official told while explaining the pharmaceutical trade relationship between India and Pakistan.

“The majority of Indian exports to Pakistan include active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). While it won’t impact India by snapping the pharma trade ties, it will impact Pakistan as it would import costlier drugs and APIs from the countries rerouting our medicines," said the official.