The Foreign Minister of the Maldives, Moosa Zameer, expressed gratitude towards India for extending the quota to facilitate the export of essential commodities to his country, viewing it as a testament to the enduring bilateral friendship and the shared commitment to bolster trade relations.
India's decision to permit the export of specific essential items for the year 2024-25, as per the request of the Maldivian government, was confirmed by the Indian High Commission. This move, announced via social media platform X by the Indian High Commissioner, emphasized its uniqueness under a bilateral mechanism, with revised upward quotas for each item, marking the highest quantities approved since the inception of this arrangement in 1981.
Zameer conveyed his appreciation to India through a post on platform X, thanking External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and the Indian government for renewing the quota, enabling the Maldives to import essential goods for the next two years. He underscored the significance of this gesture in strengthening bilateral trade ties.
In response, Minister Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to its Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies, emphasizing the importance of fostering regional cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
The announcement of the quota renewal comes amid tensions between the two nations, stemming from President Mohamed Muizzu's call for the repatriation of Indian military personnel last November and subsequent contentious remarks made by Maldivian officials. However, both countries have continued to uphold trade agreements, with India-Maldives bilateral trade exceeding USD 500 million in 2022.
Notably, the quota increase extends to various essential items such as eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour, and pulses, reflecting India's commitment to supporting the Maldives' development needs. Additionally, there has been a 25% increase in the quotas for river sand and stone aggregates, crucial for the Maldives' construction industry, due to the geographical limitations of sourcing such materials locally.
Overall, India's decision to renew the quota for essential commodities underscores its dedication to fostering mutual prosperity and cooperation with the Maldives, in alignment with its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
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