India imposes port restrictions on export of essential commodities under restricted category to Maldives

Maldives: Indians may remain for 30 days without a visa. White-sand beaches, crystal-clear oceans, and opulent resorts make the Maldives a tropical paradise. Honeymooners love it. Visa is given upon arrival with some clauses including 6 months of validity on the passport. (Image: Reuters)

The Indian government on April 16 imposed port restrictions on the export of essential commodities categorised as prohibited or restricted to the Maldives. Through the 2024-25 fiscal, these commodities will only be permitted for export through four designated customs stations — Mundra Sea Port, Tuticorin Sea Port, Nhava Sheva Sea Port (JNPT), and ICD Tughlakabad.

The ties between India and the Maldives have been strained following a social media dispute that led to an uproar among Indian tourists, who began boycotting the Maldives as a travel destination and instead chose Lakshadweep. Since then, both sides have been making attempts to mend their diplomatic ties.

On April 5, India lifted restrictions on the export of specified quantities of nine products, including potatoes, onions, eggs, rice, wheat flour, and sugar to the Maldives for the current fiscal year.

“Development & Regulation Act, 1992 (No. 22 of 1992), as amended, read with paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023, the Central Government paragraph 1. hereby incorporates following conditions in Notification No. 03/2023 dated 05.04.2024 for exporting of essential commodities to Maldives under bilateral trade agreement between Government of India and Government of Maldives,” Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

The bilateral trade agreement between the governments of India and Maldives that provides for the export of essential commodities was signed in 1981. This agreement continues to guide the trade relations between the two countries.