Govt Approves Export Of Essential Commodities To Maldives For 2026–27

Export of eggs, potatoes, onions, rice, wheat flour, sugar, dal, stone aggregate and river sand has been permitted to the Maldives... These exports shall remain exempt from any existing or future restrictions or prohibitions during this period, PTI reported, citing the notification. Specified Quotas and Key Items The approved quantities include eggs (over 448 million units), rice (over 230,000 tonnes), wheat flour (over 114,000 tonnes), sugar (over 67,000 tonnes), along with potatoes, onions and dal. In addition, exports of construction materials such as stone aggregate and river sand have also been permitted. The quota for sand and stone aggregates has been increased, reflecting strong demand from the Maldives’ construction sector, which depends heavily on imports due to limited natural availability. Environmental Safeguards in Place For exports of sand and aggregates, exporters must secure environmental clearances from designated state authorities. The Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL) will ensure compliance, including adherence to coastal regulation norms and prohibition on mining in restricted zones. Limited Export Channels Shipments will be routed through six designated customs points, including Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Tuticorin, Kandla, Visakhapatnam ports and ICD Tughlakabad. The arrangement is part of the longstanding India–Maldives trade agreement signed in 1981, which allows export of essential commodities to support the island nation’s requirements. (KNN Bureau)