India's stock exchanges NSE, BSE restrict access for overseas users amid tensions with Pakistan

Amid the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, India's leading stock exchanges, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and BSE Ltd, have reportedly restricted access to their platforms for overseas users, without impacting their ability to trade, according to news agency Reuters.

The latest decision by the Indian stock exchanges is seen in the context of the fears of cyberattacks, both from domestic and international actors, following India's surgical strikes across nine locations in Pakistan. However, the two exchanges have not officially stated anything on this matter so far. The response by the two Indian stock exchanges is also seen as a precautionary and protective measure.

There has been a surge in cyberattacks emanating from Pakistan, primarily targeting defence websites. Reports suggest a Pakistan-based hacker group, 'Pakistan Cyber Force', claimed to have gained access to data of the Indian Military Engineering Services (MES) and think-tank Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (MP-IDSA).

A cybercriminal group, Pakistan Cyber Force, also tried to deface the official websites of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, a defence PSU. The website has been taken down for now for a thorough audit.

Notably, India had recently banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including Dawn News, Samaa TV, Ary News and Geo News, for disseminating misinformation against India in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack. These banned channels had over 63 million subscribers.

The government's action came as these platforms were found to be engaged in spreading provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives against India, its Army and security agencies.

As per the Ministry of Defence, at 1:44 AM today, the Indian security forces conducted "Operation Sindoor" against Pakistan. The Indian forces targeted nine sites associated with terrorist operations, without striking any Pakistani military installations. The operation was described as “focused, measured and non-escalatory.” These actions follow the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali national were killed.