India has renewed the quota to export essential commodities to Maldives for the years 2024-25. This decision, announced by the Indian High Commission, comes amidst diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
"I sincerely thank EAM S Jaishankar and the Government of India for the renewal of the quota to enable Maldives to import essential commodities from India during the years 2024 and 2025," Moosa Zameer, the Foreign Minister of Maldives said in a post on X.
"This is truly a gesture which signifies the longstanding friendship, and the strong commitment to further expand bilateral trade and commerce between our two countries" , he stated.
The Indian High Commissioner, making the announcement through a post on social media platform X, emphasized that this decision was made under a unique bilateral mechanism, resulting in the highest approved quantities since the arrangement's inception in 1981.
The increased quotas cover a range of essential items, including rice, sugar, onions, wheat flour, and dal (pulses), among others.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded to Zameer's acknowledgment, reaffirming India's commitment to its Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies.
SAGAR, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region, highlights India's approach to maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, while the Neighbourhood First policy prioritizes relations with neighboring countries.
This development comes against the backdrop of strained relations between India and the Maldives since November of the previous year. The tensions escalated following demands by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, for the repatriation of Indian military personnel.
The derogatory comments made by Maldivian officials in response to Prime Minister Modi's posts about the Lakshadweep Islands further strained relations, prompting backlash from Indian citizens, including celebrities, and a decline in Indian tourists visiting the Maldives.
The trade agreement between the two countries, dates back to 1981, facilitating the export of essential commodities and contributing to the growth of bilateral trade.
The trade between the two nations surpassed USD 300 million in 2021 and crossed the USD 500 million mark in 2022.
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