India allows export of essential commodities to Maldives despite India-Maldives row

India allows export to Maldives: Amid the tensions between India and Maldives, which have been strained since Muizzu assumed office, India of Friday allowed for the export of certain quantities of essential commodities for 2024-25 under a unique bilateral mechanism, at the request of the Maldives government.

Taking to the X handle, High Commission of India in the Maldives stated that the quotas for each of these items have been revised upwards.

"Upon the request of the Government of Maldives, the Government of India has allowed for export of certain quantities of essential commodities for the year 2024-25 under a unique bilateral mechanism, wherein, the quotas for each of these items have been revised upwards," the post stated.

pic.twitter.com/6f6kcTd0TQ — India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) April 5, 2024

Notably, the Maldives has increased the quota for river sand and stone aggregates, essential materials for its thriving construction sector, by 25 percent to 1,000,000 metric tonnes. 
Additionally, quotas for eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour, and dal (pulses) have seen a 5 percent increase.

Despite a global ban on the export of rice, sugar, and onions from India, last year saw India continue to export these items to the Maldives, indicating sustained trade relations between the two countries.

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Notably, ties between India and the Maldives have been strained since Muizzu assumed office, as he criticised New Delhi during and after the presidential polls.

In March, President Mohamed Muizzu appealed to New Delhi for debt relief measures, affirming India's continued status as the Maldives' "closest ally," as reported by local media. He emphasized that no actions or statements have been made to deteriorate the relationship between the two countries.

During an interview with local media outlet 'Mihaaru,' President Muizzu expressed hope that India would consider accommodating debt relief measures for the Maldives, especially concerning the repayment of substantial loans acquired from India across multiple administrations, as reported by Adhadhu.

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(With inputs from agencies) 
          

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