Maldivian Foreign Minister thanks India for allowing limited essential exports amid tensions

Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer on Saturday thanked India for its decision to increase the export of essential supplies to the island nation for the fiscal year 2024-25, despite diplomatic tensions between both countries.

In a post on X, Zameer said the gesture signified a “longstanding friendship” and a strong commitment to expanding bilateral trade between India and the Maldives.

“I sincerely thank EAM @DrSJaishankar and the Government of India for the renewal of the quota to enable Maldives to import essential commodities from India during the years 2024 and 2025,” he wrote.

“This is truly a gesture which signifies the longstanding friendship, and the strong commitment to further expand bilateral trade and commerce between our two countries,” he said.

The Indian government lifted the restriction on the export of essential items to the Maldives despite growing tensions, underscoring its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. This decision comes against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean region, particularly concerning China’s growing influence and the ‘India Out’ campaign led by the Mohamed Muizzu administration in the Maldives.

A statement released by the Indian High Commission in the Maldives detailing the Centre’s decision to increase the export of crucial goods said, “Upon the request of the Government of Maldives, the Government of India has allowed for export of certain quantities of essential commodities for the year 2024-25 under a unique bilateral mechanism, wherein, the quotas for each of these items have been revised upwards. The approved quantities are the highest since this arrangement came into effect in 1981.”

Responding to Zameer’s tweet, External Affairs S Jaishankar said India stood firmly committed to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies.

“You are welcome FM @MoosaZameer. India stands firmly committed to its Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies,” he wrote on X on Saturday.

The revised export quotas mark a notable increase in the supply of critical commodities such as river sand and stone aggregates — which are vital for the Maldives’ construction sector — by 25 per cent to 10 lakh metric tonnes. Additionally, there’s a 5 per cent increase in the export limits for essential food items like eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour and pulses.

The move also comes amid a diplomatic row which began after three Maldivian ministers were suspended for their derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he posted pictures of his visit to Lakshadweep and promoted it as a tourist destination.

Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leading leader, has asked all Indian troops stationed in his country to leave by May 10.