The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has now included Kandla and Vishakhapatnam Customs Sea ports, bringing the total to six ports authorized for exporting essential commodities to the Maldives for the 2024-2025 period.
Business World Online
In a recent move to strengthen trade ties and improve the import of essential commodities, the Indian government has added two more seaports to its list for exporting staples to the Maldives. This decision is part of an ongoing agreement between the two countries aimed at ensuring a steady supply of critical goods.
The export of essential commodities from India to other countries is generally restricted or prohibited. However, under India's Neighborhood First policy, such exports are permitted to support neighbouring countries such as the Maldives. Although the relationship between both countries was rocky towards the beginning of 2024, this policy has highlighted and strengthened the strong bilateral relationship between India and the Maldives, emphasizing cooperation and mutual support.
Previously, in April, four ports were designated for this purpose: Tuticorin Port, Mundra Port, Nhava Sheva Port, and Tughlakabad Port. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has now included Kandla and Vishakhapatnam Customs Sea ports, bringing the total to six ports authorized for exporting essential commodities to the Maldives for the 2024-2025 period.
Although the Maldivian Government has started working on forming strong relationships with countries such as Turkey in order to keep the import of essential goods into the country, with India being the most dependable country for such resources over the years the Maldivian Government had requested this extension and expansion of additional ports. With this, the duration for importing essential commodities was extended in April, and the quantity allowed for import was increased by five percent compared to the previous agreement.
The goods permitted for import include:
The addition of Kandla and Vishakhapatnam ports is expected to facilitate the easier and more efficient import of these essential goods into the Maldives. This development is particularly significant given that the export of these commodities is typically restricted. Under the agreement, even if India imposes bans on the export of certain items, the Maldives will continue to receive them at special prices, ensuring uninterrupted supply.
