Representative image
New Delhi:
India has allowed limited exports of key commodities including sugar, wheat, rice and onions to the Maldives, the government said on Friday, even as ties between Male and New Delhi remained strained under rising Chinese influence.
India, a leading exporter of rice, sugar and onions, has restricted exports of these food products in several ways to control local prices ahead of the general elections.
Shipments of these commodities in the 2024/25 financial year, which began on April 1, to the Maldives “will be exempt from any existing or future restriction/ban on exports,” the government said in a notification.
The South Asian country has allowed the export of 124,218 tons of rice, 109,162 tons of wheat flour, 64,494 tons of sugar, 21,513 tons of potatoes, 35,749 tons of onions and 427.5 million eggs to the Maldives.
India has also allowed export of 1 million tonnes of stone aggregate and river sand.
The Maldives, which has traditionally had close ties with India, is now turning its attention to Beijing since new President Mohamed Muizzu was elected in October on a promise to end the country’s pro-India stance.
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