‘Signifies longstanding friendship’: Maldives foreign minister thanks India for allowing export of essential commodities | India News

NEW DELHI: Maldives foreign minister Moosa Zameer on Saturday “sincerely” thanked India for allowing export of essential commodities to the island nation amid strained ties between two countries.
“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,” Zameer 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 added.
India on Friday lifted export restrictions on specific quantities of essential commodities for the Maldives during the current fiscal year.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) announced that items like eggs, potatoes, onions, rice, wheat flour, sugar, dal, stone aggregate, and river sand can now be exported to the Maldives as per the bilateral trade agreement for 2024-25. This move allows for the export of these goods without any existing or future restrictions or prohibitions.
Indian High Commissioner announced on social media that these exports are part of a unique bilateral mechanism, with quotas for each item being increased to the highest levels since 1981. This development comes amidst strained relations between India and the Maldives, following demands for the withdrawal of Indian military troops and controversial comments made by Maldivian officials.