New Delhi: In response to Maldivian Minister Moosa Zameer’s gratitude towards India for decision to export essential commodities to the island nation for the fiscal year 2024-2025, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar reaffirmed New Delhi’s unwavering commitment to its policies of “Neighbourhood First” and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) EAM Jaishankar wrote, “You are welcome, FM @MoosaZameer. India stands firmly committed to its Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies.”
Earlier, Zameer stated that the decision by India showcases the longstanding friendship between two countries and the strong commitment to further expand bilateral trade and commerce.
The High Commission of India in the Maldives posted on Thursday on X, stating that the quotas for each of these items have been revised upwards.
“Upon the request of the Government of Maldives, the Government of India has allowed for export of certain quantities of essential commodities for the year 2024-25 under a unique bilateral mechanism, wherein, the quotas for each of these items have been revised upwards,” the post stated.
India’s ‘Neighbourhood First policy’ serves as a guiding principle for its relations with countries in its neighbourhood, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This policy is designed to prioritize and strengthen ties with these neighboring nations through various means. It focuses on enhancing physical infrastructure, digital connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges across the region. Additionally, the policy aims to boost trade and commerce among these countries.
Amid the thaw in mutual ties, India has allowed the export of certain quantities of essential commodities for 2024-25 under a unique bilateral mechanism, at the request of the Maldives government.
Notably, ties between India and the Maldives had become strained since Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office. He criticised India during and after the presidential polls and his government also formally requested India to withdraw its troops from Male.
However, in March, Muizzu requested New Delhi for debt relief measures, while stating that India would continue to remain the Maldives’ “closest ally,” local media reported. He further claimed that he has “not taken any action nor made any statements” that may strain the relationship between the two countries.
(With ANI Inputs)
