India on Wednesday allowed the export of essential commodities like eggs, potatoes, onions, rice, wheat flour, sugar and pulses to Maldives in the fixed quota for 2026-27. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notice that this export will be done under the agreement between the two countries.
According to DGFT, permission has been given to send eggs, potatoes, onions, rice, wheat flour, sugar, pulses, stone pieces and river sand to Maldives. During this period, any existing or upcoming restrictions on the export of these things will not be applicable. Usually there are restrictions or limitations on the export of some of these things.
As per the fixed quantity, eggs (448,913,750), potatoes (22,589 tonnes), onions (37,537 tonnes), rice (230,429 tonnes), wheat flour (114,621 tonnes), sugar (67,719 tonnes), pulses (350 tonnes), stones (1,300,000 tonnes) and river sand (1,300,000 tonnes) will be exported. For export of sand and stone, CAPEXIL will ensure that the supplier has obtained the necessary approvals and that the sand is not excavated in the coastal protected area, as there is a ban on excavation there.
Exporters will also have to obtain environmental clearance from the concerned state government officials. The trade agreement between India and Maldives is in force since 1981, in which there is a provision for export of essential goods. Last year also India had exported these things. India is cooperating in the development of Maldives under its Neighborhood First policy. In view of the demand for river sand and stones required for the construction sector there, their quota has been increased.
There is not enough sand naturally available in Maldives, so it has to be imported from outside for construction work. According to DGFT, this export will happen only from six custom stations, which include Mundra, Tuticorin, Nhava Sheva, ICD Tughlakabad, Kandla and Visakhapatnam.
