Amidst the diplomatic complexities, Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer expressed profound gratitude towards India for its graciousness in permitting the exportation of indispensable commodities to the island nation, despite the prevailing strains in relations due to escalating Chinese influence in Male. Zameer conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Indian government for their benevolent gesture, underscoring its symbolic significance in affirming the enduring camaraderie between the two nations.
In a notable turn of events indicating a thaw in bilateral relations, India has authorized the export of specific quantities of vital goods for the fiscal years 2024-25, facilitated by a distinct bilateral framework, at the behest of the Maldivian government. Taking to the social media platform X, the Maldivian Foreign Minister articulated his sincere gratitude towards EAM Dr S Jaishankar and the Government of India for the extension of the quota, enabling Maldives to procure essential commodities from India throughout 2024 and 2025.
“This gesture truly epitomizes the enduring camaraderie and the steadfast commitment to fostering bilateral trade and commerce between our respective nations,” he remarked. In a communique posted by the High Commission of India in the Maldives on X, it was declared that the quotas for each of the designated items have been revised upwards.
Notably, the sanctioned quantities represent the highest figures since the inception of this arrangement in 1981. The allocation for river sand and stone aggregates, pivotal components for the burgeoning construction sector in the Maldives, has witnessed a 25 percent surge to 1,000,000 metric tonnes.
Furthermore, there has been a 5 percent augmentation in the quotas for eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour, and dal (pulses). It is noteworthy that India continued to export rice, sugar, and onions to the Maldives last year, notwithstanding the global embargo on the export of these items from India.
“India remains steadfastly committed to bolstering human-centric development in the Maldives, as part of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ doctrine,” emphasized the statement issued by the Indian High Commission in Maldives. Evidently, the relations between India and the Maldives had been strained since Mohamed Muizzu assumed office, as he voiced criticism towards New Delhi during and after the presidential elections.
However, in March, Muizzu appealed to New Delhi for debt relief measures, affirming that India will continue to be the Maldives’ “closest ally,” as per local media reports. He further asserted that he has refrained from taking any action or making any statements that could jeopardize the relationship between the two nations.
