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Pakistan closes entire airspace after Indian strikes under Operation Sindoor

In a major escalation, Pakistan has shut down its entire airspace after Indian armed forces launched missile strikes on terror camps under Operation Sindoor.

Published

1 year ago

May 7, 2025

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In a sharp escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, Islamabad has announced a complete closure of its airspace following a series of targeted missile strikes carried out by the Indian armed forces under Operation Sindoor. The strikes, launched early Wednesday, reportedly hit nine terror-linked sites located both in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and deep inside Pakistani territory.

Full airspace closure amid military strain

Until now, Pakistan had limited its airspace restrictions only to Indian-owned or operated flights. However, the fresh military offensive has prompted the Pakistani authorities, including the aviation regulator and military command in Rawalpindi, to declare a blanket 48-hour airspace shutdown. The restrictions apply to all domestic and international flights, sparing only select essential aircraft.

According to sources, air traffic to key airports like Islamabad and Lahore was immediately rerouted to Karachi during and after the strikes, straining operations at the southern hub. Soon after, all civil aviation operations across the country were suspended, plunging Pakistan into a temporary no-fly zone.

India responds to cross-border terror link

The Indian government has clarified that the strikes were a retaliatory step against Pakistan’s alleged involvement in facilitating terror activities, specifically pointing to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. That attack, deemed to be religiously motivated, followed provocative remarks made by Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, further intensifying the situation.

India’s action was designed to neutralize terror launchpads and infrastructure, which intelligence indicated had direct links to cross-border operations.

Pakistan deliberates, military response expected

In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an urgent meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Council to chart a potential course of action. While the closure of airspace has been described by Pakistan as a “precautionary” move, officials have hinted at military retaliation.

However, according to defense experts, any further military step by Pakistan at this stage may be viewed internationally as an act of escalation rather than justified retaliation.

India remains on alert, Western front partially restricted

India has also placed restrictions on civil aviation operations at several airports along the western front, maintaining heightened readiness for any possible reaction from Pakistan. Officials in New Delhi have reiterated that India remains fully prepared and “will retaliate resolutely” should the situation deteriorate further.

Operation Sindoor, the latest kinetic military action by India, marks a significant strategic message amidst growing concerns about regional stability and terror-linked activities across the Line of Control.

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India considers tax relief to attract foreign investors amid Iran war impact

India is evaluating tax incentives, including a possible capital gains tax exemption on government securities for foreign investors, to support capital inflows amid economic pressures linked to the Iran war.

Published

14 hours ago

June 4, 2026

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India is considering a set of measures aimed at attracting more foreign investment as the ongoing Iran war continues to create pressure on the country’s economy, according to reports citing government sources. One of the key proposals under discussion is the removal of capital gains tax on investments made by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in government securities.

The move comes at a time when geopolitical tensions in West Asia have pushed up global oil prices, weakened investor sentiment and increased pressure on the Indian rupee. India, which imports a significant share of its crude oil requirements, has been among the countries closely monitoring the economic fallout from the conflict.

Government exploring ways to boost capital inflows

Officials are reportedly evaluating tax-related incentives to make Indian debt markets more attractive to overseas investors. The proposed exemption on capital gains from government securities is aimed at encouraging foreign portfolio investment and supporting capital inflows during a period of heightened global uncertainty.

The government is seeking to counter the impact of foreign capital outflows that have intensified amid concerns over the Iran conflict and its implications for energy markets and global economic growth.

Rupee and markets under pressure

Recent weeks have seen increased volatility in financial markets, with foreign investors pulling money out of Indian equities. Analysts have linked part of the pressure on the rupee to rising oil prices and continued overseas investor withdrawals.

Market participants believe that measures aimed at attracting foreign investment into government securities could help improve investor confidence and provide support to the domestic currency.

Broader economic concerns

The Iran war has added to concerns about inflation, economic growth and India’s external sector. Higher energy prices can increase import costs and put pressure on inflation, while sustained foreign capital outflows may affect financial market stability.

While no final decision has been announced, discussions on easing tax rules for foreign investors reflect the government’s efforts to strengthen capital inflows and cushion the economy from external shocks.

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US proposes new tariffs on India over forced labour concerns amid trade negotiations

The United States has proposed additional tariffs on imports from India and 59 other economies following a Section 301 investigation into forced labour-related trade concerns.

Published

2 days ago

June 3, 2026

APNLive Desk

The United States has proposed imposing additional tariffs on imports from India and 59 other economies after concluding that these countries have not taken sufficient steps to prevent the importation of goods allegedly linked to forced labour. The proposal was announced by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) as part of an investigation conducted under Section 301 of the US Trade Act.

According to the USTR’s findings, India could face an additional tariff of 12.5% on goods exported to the United States. The proposed measure is part of a broader plan targeting 60 economies, with tariff rates ranging between 10% and 12.5% depending on the findings related to each country.

India among countries facing higher tariff proposal

The USTR said India had not effectively enforced restrictions on imports made using forced labour, describing the issue as a burden on US commerce. The agency argued that inadequate enforcement by major trading partners creates unfair competition for American workers and businesses.

While countries including Canada, Mexico, the European Union and the United Kingdom are proposed to face a 10% tariff, India is among a larger group of economies that could be subjected to a 12.5% duty under the recommendation.

Proposal comes during India-US trade discussions

The tariff proposal has emerged while Indian and US officials are engaged in trade negotiations aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries. A US delegation led by Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch is currently holding discussions with Indian officials in New Delhi.

India’s Commerce Ministry has indicated that discussions with the United States on the matter are continuing and noted that the proposed tariffs have not yet been finalised. The USTR has invited public comments on the proposal until July 6, with a public hearing scheduled for July 7 before any final decision is taken.

Certain products may remain exempt

The proposed tariffs include exemptions for several categories of goods, including some energy products, pharmaceuticals, rare earth materials and selected agricultural commodities. Additional details regarding sector-specific measures, including proposed textile-related actions, are expected to be released separately.

The latest move follows a Section 301 investigation launched earlier this year into forced labour concerns across global supply chains. Any final decision on imposing the tariffs will be made after the consultation process is completed.

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Trump reportedly rebukes Netanyahu over Lebanon strikes amid ceasefire concerns

Published

3 days ago

June 2, 2026

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US President Donald Trump reportedly delivered a sharp rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, as concerns grow that renewed hostilities could jeopardise fragile diplomatic efforts in the region.

According to multiple reports, Trump expressed frustration over Israeli strikes linked to ongoing tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The reported exchange came at a sensitive time, with Washington attempting to prevent further escalation while also pursuing broader diplomatic discussions involving Iran.

Reports point to unusually tense exchange

Sources cited in international reports said Trump used unusually strong language during the conversation, warning that continued military actions risked damaging efforts to stabilise the situation. One report claimed Trump told Netanyahu that his actions were hurting Israel’s international standing and complicating diplomatic initiatives.

The reported disagreement followed Israeli operations against Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon. While Israeli officials argued that the actions were a response to security threats and ceasefire violations, the US administration has been pushing for restraint to avoid a wider regional conflict.

Lebanon fighting threatens broader diplomatic efforts

The latest tensions come amid efforts to maintain a ceasefire framework between Israel and Hezbollah. US officials have been involved in discussions aimed at reducing hostilities and preventing attacks on major Lebanese population centres, including Beirut.

Reports indicate that Trump personally intervened to discourage further escalation and support negotiations intended to preserve regional stability. Hezbollah has reportedly signalled a willingness to consider a broader ceasefire arrangement if reciprocal commitments are made.

Differing public messages after the call

Despite reports of a heated conversation, Trump later suggested publicly that discussions had been constructive and that progress had been made toward reducing tensions. Netanyahu, however, maintained that Israel would continue to respond to security threats and would not alter its overall approach toward Hezbollah if attacks persisted.

The developments highlight growing challenges facing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, where the conflicts involving Israel, Lebanon and Iran remain closely interconnected. Analysts say any major escalation in Lebanon could further complicate ongoing negotiations and increase instability across the region.