NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on Thursday asked all OTT platforms, digital streaming services, and intermediaries operating in India to immediately discontinue all web series, films, songs, podcasts, and any other media content originating from Pakistan.

The advisory, issued in the interest of national security, applies across both subscription-based and free-to-access platforms.

The directive comes against the backdrop of escalating border tensions between India and Pakistan, following Operation Sindoor, which is India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and the shelling by Pakistan at the Line of Control.

"In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect," the ministry said in a statement.

Prior to content restrictions, Indian digital platforms have also restricted access to the social media handles of several Pakistani celebrities. Users in India have reported that verified profiles of actors, singers, and public figures from Pakistan are no longer accessible on platforms including Instagram, X, and YouTube.

Over the years, Pakistani content has cultivated a niche but growing audience base in India through digital distribution. Pakistani television dramas gained popularity when they were streamed on Indian platforms like ZEE5.

Pakistani films including Bol, Khuda Kay Liye, Cake, and Laal Kabootar were also made available to Indian audiences on platforms like Prime Video and YouTube.

Music from across the border has remained particularly popular. Platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music feature artists like Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, Abida Parveen, Ali Sethi, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

Coke Studio Pakistan, known for its fusion of classical and contemporary music, has a significant fan base in India.