India’s firm stand: Pakistani citizen denied entry at Karwar Port amid heightened security

A Pakistani crew member aboard the Iraqi commercial vessel MT R Ocean was denied entry into India after the ship docked at Karwar Port in Karnataka on May 12, according to the Indian Coast Guard.

The vessel, which was carrying bitumen from Iraq, had a total of 17 crew members: 14 Indians, two Syrians, and one Pakistani, with an Indian captain in command. Acting on firm instructions from Police Inspector Nischal Kumar, the Pakistani and Syrian nationals were barred from disembarking, citing the ongoing strain in diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan.

In line with the orders, the ship’s captain also confiscated the mobile phones of the foreign nationals during their time at the Indian port. Once the unloading of cargo was completed, the vessel departed back to Iraq, port authorities confirmed.

This development follows the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, a military offensive targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. As a result, India has cancelled all visas issued to Pakistani citizens and has enforced a complete ban on their entry.