Jaishankar replies, “Maldives thanks India for sending essential commodities amid tensions.”
The Maldives has expressed gratitude to India for extending the quota for the import of necessities for 2024 and 2025 after months of diplomatic strain.
Moosa Zameer, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, expressed gratitude on the island nation’s behalf in a message on the social media platform X, which was once known as Twitter.
He stated, “EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and the Government of India have my sincere gratitude for extending the quota, which will allow the Maldives to import necessities from India in 2024 and 2025.”
“This is a genuine gesture that represents our two countries’ long-standing friendship and our strong commitment to advancing bilateral trade and commerce,” he said.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, also responded to the remark on X, saying that the country is “committed to its neighbourhood first and SAGAR policies.”
Policies for SAGAR and Neighbourhood First
In a post on X, the Indian High Commission said that the Maldives government made the request. The transfer is being carried out using a unique bilateral procedure, leading to the largest authorised amounts since the agreement’s establishment in 1981.
The mission’s announcement said, “The approved quantities are the highest since this arrangement came into effect in 1981.”
The quota renewal is consistent with the Indian Ocean region’s focus on marine cooperation under the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) strategy. It also highlights India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy, which aims to give ties with bordering nations priority.
Diplomatic Tensions in Context
The declaration coincides with heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries as a result of President Mohamed Muizzu’s demand that Indian military forces be repatriated and the ensuing controversy over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media remarks.
The Maldives and India trade deal of 1981 makes it easier to export necessities. India and the Maldives’ bilateral trade has increased significantly, reaching $500 million in 2022 after topping $300 million in 2021.
A five percent rise in quotas for eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour, and dal (pulses) is part of the latest statement. Notably, quotas for stone aggregates and river sand—both essential to the Maldives’ building sector—have been increased by 25% to 10,00,000 MT each.
Renewing quotas for commodities like river sand and stone aggregates is crucial for the growth of the Maldives because of its geographical limitations and the need for these resources for building.
