The Government of India, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has notified on export of specific quantities of essential commodities to Maldives, including eggs, potatoes, onions, rice, wheat flour, sugar, dal, stone aggregate, and river sand, for fiscal year 2025-2026. The 1981 India and Maldives trade agreement provides for the export of essential commodities between the two countries.  

Stipulated quotas for these items have been increased in the current fiscal year compared to previous years, and the exports will be exempt from any current or future restrictions or prohibitions within the specified period. All shipments must pass through six designated customs ports, such as Mundra, Tuticorin, and Kandla, to ensure regulatory compliance. 

Special provisions are in place for the export of river sand and stone aggregate, critical for supporting the Maldives' construction industry. CAPEXIL was tasked to ensure that suppliers have securec proper environmental clearances, to prevent mining in protected coastal regulation zones.  
Bilateral trade between India and the Maldives remains strong, growing from $973.37 million in 2022-2023 to $978.53 million in 2023-2024. This reflects the importance of trade agreements in bolstering regional cooperation and meeting the resource needs. 

Related link 

Government approves export of key commodities to Maldives for 2025-26