The announcement for the renewal of the quota comes amidst a diplomatic row between the two countries since November last year when President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, within hours of taking the oath demanded India to repatriate its 88 military personnel from his country.The relations further deteriorated when three Maldivian officials made crass comments after Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted photos and videos of the Lakshadweep Islands resulting in a heavy backlash by Indians, including many celebrities.#BoycottMaldives campaign resulted in a significant decline in Indian tourists to the island nation too.The 1981 India and Maldives trade agreement provides for the export of essential commodities.According to the records from the Indian High Commission, growing from modest beginnings, India-Maldives bilateral trade crossed the USD 300 million mark for the first time in 2021, which further crossed the USD 500 million mark in 2022.According to Friday’s announcement, there has also been an increase of five per cent in the quotas for eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour and dal (pulses).Last year as well, India continued the export of rice, sugar and onions to the Maldives despite a worldwide ban on export of these items from India.”India remains strongly committed to supporting human-centric development in the Maldives, as part of its ‘Neighbourhood First policy, it said.The quota for river sand and stone aggregates, crucial items for the booming construction industry in the Maldives, has been increased by 25 per cent to 10,00,000 MT each, it added.Surrounded by the ocean, the islands in the Maldives and the many atolls don’t have enough river sand to support their construction industry, hence the need for importing sand and stone aggregates to the country.
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