India introduces new curbs on essential commodity exports to the Maldives
On Tuesday, April 16, India implemented fresh limitations on the export of prohibited or restricted essential goods to the Maldives.
As per the directive from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, these goods will be allowed for export only through four specified customs stations: Mundra Sea Port, Tuticorin Sea Port, Nhava Sheva Sea Port (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust) and Inland Container Depot Tughlakabad.
Amidst diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives, on April 5, India granted approval for the export of specific quantities of essential goods for the fiscal year 2024-25 through a unique bilateral mechanism, at the request of the Maldivian government.
Enhanced quotas and newly included items:
- Quota for river sand and stone aggregates, crucial for the Maldives’ construction sector, has been raised by 25 per cent, to 10,00,000 metric tonnes.
- Quotas for eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour and dal (pulses) have been raised by 5 per cent.
- Despite a global embargo on the export of rice, sugar and onions from India since last year, the country has continued to export these items to the Maldives.
A statement from the Indian High Commission reiterated a strong commitment to supporting human-centric development in the Maldives, in line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
