Mumbai, May 3 (UNI) Amid the diplomatic stand-off between India and Pakistan post the Pahalgam terror attack on tourists, the Mumbai-headquartered Directorate General of Shipping has banned ships bearing flag of the neighbouring country to any of the Indian ports.

Similarly, all Indian-flagged ships have been asked not to enter any port of Pakistan.

The DG Shipping, through an order on Saturday, made the announcement.

The restrictions were put in place “with immediate effect” and “till further order” to ensure safety of “Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure, in public interest and for the interest of Indian shipping”, the DGS order stated.

“… in exercise of power conferred by Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 read with objectives as enshrined under Preamble of the said Act, keeping in view of the present situation, the following directions are hereby issued: A ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian Port. An Indian flag ship shall not visit any Ports of Pakistan,” the DG Shipping order read.

Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act empowers the DGS to issue directions to ships, for meeting the objective of national interest or the interest of Indian shipping.

The Act deals with Indian flag ships anywhere in the world and foreign flag ships while in Indian waters “to ensure safety of life at sea and safety of ships".

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