India, the Maldives' closest neighbour and ally, has announced a substantial increase in export quotas for essential goods destined for the island nation as part of its bilateral trade agreement. This decision, which represents the largest allocation since the trade arrangement's inception in 1989, according to the Indian government, underscores its commitment to regional cooperation under its "neighbourhood first" policy.
The announcement came on Tuesday through a notification issued by the Indian Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Outlined within were provisions for specified quantities of critical commodities to be exported during the 2025–26 fiscal year. These goods—eggs, potatoes, onions, rice, wheat flour, sugar, dal, stone aggregate, and river sand—will remain exempt from all current and future restrictions, the DGFT has said, ensuring uninterrupted supply under the bilateral trade agreement.
This increase in quotas marks a significant development in the trade relationship between the two nations. Among the adjustments, export volumes for onions, eggs, potatoes, sugar, rice, and flour increased by 5%, while dal exports saw an exceptional rise of 56%. Quotas for stone aggregate and river sand expanded by 30%, reinforcing the agreement's scope.
The DGFT notification specified that these allocations include 448.91 million eggs, 22,589 tonnes of potatoes, 37,537 tonnes of onions, 130,429 tonnes of rice, 114,621 tonnes of wheat flour, 67,719 tonnes of sugar, 350 tonnes of dal, and 1.30 million tonnes each of stone aggregate and river sand.
Despite broader bans imposed by India on exporting certain essential goods, the Maldives continues to benefit from exclusive exemptions granted through a special quota system. This arrangement ensures the availability of vital supplies such as rice, sugar, and onions—a policy the Indian government has pledged to uphold, citing its importance to fostering human development in the Maldives.