India has significantly increased its essential exports to the Maldives, achieving the highest quota for items such as river sand and stone aggregates since the bilateral arrangement’s inception in 1981. The recently approved quantities of essentials have been augmented through the unique bilateral mechanism between the two countries, even amidst tense relations between Male and New Delhi in recent months.
In a statement, the Indian mission in Malé announced that this decision was made in response to a request from the Maldivian government to meet the rising demand for essential commodities in the island nation. This move comes despite strained ties between the two countries under the Mohamed Muizzu government.
The Indian high commission disclosed that the quota for river sand and stone aggregates, crucial for the booming construction industry in the Maldives, has been raised by 25% to 1,000,000 metric tons. Additionally, there has been a 5% increase in quotas for eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour, and dal (pulses).
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“The quota for river sand and stone aggregates, essential items for the growing construction sector in the Maldives, has been increased by 25% to 1,000,000 MT. There has also been a 5% rise in quotas for eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour, and dal (pulses),” stated the Indian mission in a press release.
The high commission emphasized that this move underscores India’s steadfast commitment to fostering human-centric development in the Maldives, aligning with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Despite global restrictions on the export of rice, sugar, and onions from India last year, India continued to provide these crucial commodities to the Maldives.
“Last year as well, India continued the export of rice, sugar, and onions to the Maldives despite a worldwide ban on the export of these items from India. India remains strongly committed to supporting human-centric development in the Maldives, as part of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy,” the release added.
India, a leading exporter of rice, sugar, and onions, has imposed some restrictions on exports of these food commodities to control local prices ahead of the general election starting in April. Maldives, which has traditionally had close ties to India, is believed to be pivoting towards Beijing since the new Muizzu was elected in October on a promise to end the country’s pro-India stance.
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