[ad_1]
Last Updated:
Concerns were raised by the swift deterioration of India-Maldives ties, which occurred only one month after PM Modi met with Mohamed Muizzu last year. (Image: PTI/File)
Get insights into India’s decision to boost exports of essential commodities to the Maldives, enhancing bilateral relations
India has ramped up its essential exports to the Maldives, reaching the highest quota for commodities such as river sand and stone aggregates since the inception of a bilateral arrangement in 1981. The newly approved quantities of essentials have been increased under the unique bilateral mechanism between the two countries, even as ties between Male and New Delhi remained tense 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 increasing demand for essential commodities in the island nation. The move came even as the ties between the two countries have turned sour under the Mohamed Muizzu government.
River sand, eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice
The Indian high commission said the quota for river sand and stone aggregates, vital for the burgeoning construction sector in the Maldives, has been raised by 25% to 1,000,000 metric tons. Moreover, there has been a 5% augmentation in quotas for eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour, and dal (pulses).
“The quota for river sand and stone aggregates, crucial items for the booming construction industry in the Maldives, have been increased by 25% to 1,000,000 MT. There has also been an increase of 5% in the quotas for eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour and dal (pulses),” the Indian mission said in a press release.
The high commission said the move underlines 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 in spite of a worldwide ban on 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 curbs on exports of these food commodities to keep a lid on 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.
[ad_2]
Source link
