Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer expressed gratitude towards India on Saturday for permitting the export of essential goods to the island nation, despite recent tensions amid increased Chinese influence in Male. Zameer conveyed his sincere appreciation to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Indian government, citing the gesture as emblematic of the enduring friendship between the two countries.
In response to the Maldives government’s request, India has agreed to allow the export of specific quantities of essential commodities for the years 2024-25 under a unique bilateral mechanism. This development marks a positive turn in bilateral relations, with both nations demonstrating a commitment to enhancing trade and commerce.
Taking to social media platform X, Maldives Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to India for renewing the quota, enabling the import of essential commodities crucial for the Maldivian economy. He underscored the significance of this gesture in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering mutual cooperation.
The High Commission of India in the Maldives confirmed the upward revision of quotas for essential commodities, marking the highest approved quantities since the inception of this arrangement in 1981. Notably, there has been a notable increase in quotas for items such as river sand, stone aggregates, eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour, and dal.
India’s dedication to promoting human-centered development in the Maldives, as a component of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ strategy, remains steadfast. Despite past strains in bilateral relations, both countries have demonstrated a willingness to engage constructively, with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu recently affirming India’s status as its closest ally and seeking debt relief measures from New Delhi. Moving forward, both nations aim to nurture a relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation.
