India Allows Exports Of Essential Goods To Maldives Despite Strained Ties

New Delhi: India has approved limited exports of crucial commodities to the Maldives amidst strained relations with Male amid growing Chinese influence. This move, announced by the government on Friday, includes staples such as sugar, wheat, rice, and onions.

India, a major exporter of these commodities, has imposed restrictions on exports to stabilize domestic prices ahead of upcoming elections.

In the new financial year starting April 1, shipments of these commodities to the Maldives will be exempted from existing or future export restrictions, according to a government notification. The allowed exports to the Maldives include 124,218 metric tons of rice, 109,162 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. Additionally, India has permitted exports of 1 million tons each of stone aggregate and river sand.

Despite historical ties between the Maldives and India, the former is leaning towards Beijing since the election of President Mohamed Muizzu in October. Muizzu’s presidency marked a shift away from the country’s pro-India stance.