India allows essential commodity export to Maldives via 2 more ports

New Delhi: India on Thursday said it has permitted the export of essential commodities, which are under the prohibited or restricted category, to Maldives during the fiscal from Kandla and Vishakhapatnam seaports also.

“Kandla and Vishakhapatnam Customs Sea ports have been added to the list of ports allowed for export of essential commodities, which are under the prohibited/restricted category, to Maldives for the fiscal year 2024-25,” the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

With addition of these two, now there are six ports permitted for the exports.


The move assumes significance amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations over increased Chinese influence in the island country.

Bilateral ties got strained last year when Maldives’ President Mohamed Muizzu demanded India repatriate its military personnel from his country and Maldivian ministers’ objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi posting photos and videos of the Lakshadweep Islands.

In April, India removed the restrictions on export of specified quantity of nine products including potatoes, onions, eggs, rice, wheat flour and sugar to Maldives for the current fiscal year. The curbs were done away with at the request of the Maldives government.