News Desk
New Delhi,— In a reaffirmation of its longstanding commitment to the Maldives, India has announced the continuation of essential commodity exports to the Maldives for the fiscal year 2025-26. The notification, issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade, underscores India’s role as a steadfast economic partner in the region.
The agreement ensures a steady supply of vital food staples, including rice (130,429 metric tons), wheat flour (114,621 metric tons), sugar (67,719 metric tons), and pulses (350 metric tons), along with fresh produce such as onions (37,537 metric tons) and potatoes (22,589 metric tons). Additionally, the agreement covers the export of nearly 449 million eggs, a crucial component of the Maldivian diet.
With this latest notification, India not only strengthens its trade ties but also reaffirms its role as a responsible regional leader, fostering economic resilience and shared growth in the Indian Ocean region.
Beyond food security, India will also facilitate the export of construction materials, with 1.3 million metric tons each of river sand and stone aggregate allocated for the Maldives’ infrastructure projects. The export of these materials will adhere to stringent environmental norms, requiring clearances from relevant state authorities to ensure sustainable mining practices.
Crucially, these commodities will be exempt from any current or future trade restrictions, providing much-needed stability for Maldivian businesses and consumers. To streamline the process, shipments will be routed through six designated customs stations, including major ports such as Mundra, Nhava Sheva, and Visakhapatnam.
This move reflects India’s enduring commitment to regional stability and prosperity, reinforcing the principle of ‘Neighbourhood First’ a policy that prioritizes strong economic and strategic ties with neighboring countries. As the Maldives continues its economic development, India remains a dependable partner, ensuring that essential supplies reach Maldivian shores without disruption.
