India has launched Operation Deep Manifest. Goods worth ₹12.04 crore originating from Pakistan have been seized in this campaign. The goods were being transported to India via the UAE. A total of 5 cases have been registered.
New Delhi: The Government of India has initiated a stringent campaign, 'Operation Deep Manifest', to curb the smuggling of illegal goods from Pakistan. Under this operation, Pakistan-manufactured goods worth ₹12.04 crore have been seized so far. This information was shared in Parliament by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary. He stated that the goods were not being brought directly from Pakistan, but rather via the UAE. This initiative by the government aims to closely monitor and completely halt smuggling from Pakistan.
Initiation and Objective of 'Operation Deep Manifest'
In May 2025, India conducted 'Operation Sindoor' against terrorists active in Pakistan, in which precise strikes were carried out on terrorist hideouts. Following this, another operation, 'Deep Manifest,' was launched to prevent illegal goods from entering from Pakistan. The main objective of this operation is to stop the smuggling of goods from Pakistan into India, especially in cases where goods are routed through third countries such as the UAE.
How did goods from Pakistan reach India?
The investigation revealed that the smuggling network is highly organized. The goods are first sent from Karachi port in Pakistan to Dubai. There, they are placed in different containers and transported to various ports in India. These goods are shipped from Jebel Ali Port (Dubai) to Indian ports. This method of smuggling is used to avoid detection of goods coming directly from Pakistan.
Information from Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in Parliament
Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed Parliament that a total of five cases have been registered under this operation until July 2025. The total value of the Pakistan-manufactured goods seized in these cases is ₹12 crore 4 lakh. In all cases, the goods were transported to India via the United Arab Emirates. He also mentioned that under this operation, customs officials have seized illegal imports worth approximately ₹12 lakh in 13 other cases. These involved violations of various legal regulations, including the DGFT notification of May 2.
Previous Major Action - Case of June 26
The government also took significant action on June 26, 2025. On that day, approximately 1115 metric tons of Pakistan-manufactured goods were seized in 39 containers. The value of these goods was estimated to be around ₹9 crore. In this case, a partner of an importing company was also arrested. This action was a significant step in preventing smuggling from Pakistan.
Government's Strict Policy
Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India imposed a complete ban on all imports from Pakistan. 'Operation Deep Manifest' has been initiated under this ban to ensure that no illegal or prohibited goods from Pakistan reach India. This campaign is an important initiative to strengthen India's security and economic interests.
Ongoing Investigation to Prevent Smuggling
Currently, investigative agencies are taking strict action against this network. Officials believe that this smuggling network is extensive and complex. Monitoring is being increased at every level to catch such networks. Simultaneously, attention is also being given to thoroughly inspecting goods arriving from abroad to prevent any illegal items from entering India.
