The Ministry of Culture on Monday said it has sent a legal notice to Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, asking the auction house to immediately halt the upcoming sale of the Buddha’s sacred jewels and return the artefacts to India.

Following the Pahalgam attack, India has taken several actions against Pakistan. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed the Wagah-Attari border. Diplomatic ties were downgraded, and Pakistani diplomats were declared persona non grata. Visas for Pakistani nationals were revoked, and airspace was closed. Trade and shipping ties have been suspended.

Moody’s Ratings warns that ongoing tensions with India pose a greater economic risk to Pakistan than to India. Pakistan’s growth and fiscal consolidation could be hampered, straining foreign-exchange reserves. India’s economy remains robust, with minimal impact expected.