Modi govt approves highest-ever quotas for essential commodities to Maldives despite strained relations

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PTI reported. In an official statement, the High Commission of India said on April 5, "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 approved quantities are the highest since this arrangement came into effect in 1981." ALSO READ: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu says a second batch of Indian troops to be withdrawn 'within current month' The High Commission mentioned that the crucial items for the construction industry in Maldives have been raised by 25 percent to 10,00,000 MT. "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." On essential commodities including sugar, wheat, rice, and onions, the High Commission said, "There have also been an increase of 5 percent in the quotas for eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour and dal (pulses).

A Reuters report that cited government notification, said that the shipments of these commodities in the FY 2024-25 – starting 1 April – to the Maldives "will be exempted from any existing or future restriction/prohibition on export". India has allowed exports of 1,24,218 metric tons of rice, 1,09,162 tons of wheat flour, 64,494 tons of sugar, 21,513 metric tons of potatoes, 35,749 tons of onions, and 427.5 million eggs to the Maldives.

Earlier in 2023, India continued the export of rice, sugar, and onions to the Maldives despite a worldwide ban on the export of essential commodities from India. "India remains strongly committed to supporting