Indo-Pak sea trade to be resumed

The shipping ministry has proposed allowing seafarers from India and Pakistan to seek employment on the foreign flag vessels stopping at the neighbouring country's shore.

This provision will be a part of the amendment to the 1975 protocol between India and Pakistan. The proposed amendments will also allow resumption of sea trade.

"The revised protocol will be applicable once the external ministers of both the countries formally sign the protocol," an official said.

"For instance, a Pakistani crew can embark or disembark from any foreign vessel on Indian shores, provided he has necessary seafarers identification and applicable transit visa," a government official said.

Officials said that Pakistan had pointed out, while Indian crew was allowed to join a foreign flag vessel, India did not reciprocate. By formally including the provision, both the countries have ensured improved job opportunities for their country's seafarers

In addition, India has agreed that it will charge same rates to both domestic and Pakistan vessels. At present, a discount being given by India to any country is to be made applicable to Pakistan also.

"In shipping, we have not been giving discounts to any country.Thus, removal of the MFN status has been done just to conform with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) norms," a shipping ministry official said.

The most important provisions of the revised protocol will allow cargo originating from India and Pakistan to be picked up by a vessel from a third country. At present, the cargo has to be carried in vessels belonging to the respective countries.

In addition, the new protocol will also allow Indian vessels to carry cargo meant for foreign countries from Pakistan. The same facility will be available for Pakistan flags. With the restrictions being removed, exporters in both countries would be able to save on costs.