India Seizes Pakistani Artwork Routed via London Amid Post-Pahalgam Ban

Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, the customs department in Delhi has confiscated a painting by a Pakistani artist that was routed through London, a government official informed Business Standard. Reportedly, the confiscated painting is valued at around Rs 4 lakh.

The painting was flagged during routine screening at the Indira Gandhi International Airport last week then it was seized under the new restrictions which came into effect following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

The report said that in April, customs authorities had intercepted a consignment of 60 artworks arriving from foreign shores, three of which belonged to Pakistani artists. The entire collection was reportedly estimated to be worth around Rs 60 lakh, with the three Pakistani artworks valued at around Rs 25 lakh.

“Any import originating from Pakistan, directly or indirectly, is now prohibited, irrespective of the route it takes. The confiscated artwork had a declared origin of the UK, but on examination, it was found to be produced by a Pakistani national,” a senior customs official told the newspaper.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, India had taken a few measures against Pakistan which also include the closure of Attari border, which was the only land route open for trade between New Delhi and Islamabad. It connects with Pakistan’s Wagah border and has long served as a channel for goods and people. On May 2, India also put a blanket ban on all Pakistani imports, direct or indirect.

On May 9, the Ministry of Finance announced that artworks and antiques brought into India for public exhibitions in museums or galleries will now be exempt from customs duties—if they meet certain conditions. These include the usage of the item for solely non-commercial purposes, an exhibition venue offering free and open public access and any antiquities must be registered with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).