Maldives has been omitted from the list of countries granted special permit for onion export by the Indian government.
Maldives has been omitted from the list of countries granted special permit for onion export by the Indian government.
India, the largest exporter of onions in the world, has a ban in effect on the export of onions from last December till next March owing to the exponential rise of prices of essential items.
However, in consideration of bilateral ties between nations, on the advice of India's Ministry of External Affairs, a special permit is being issued to allow export of onions to a number of neighbouring countries.
As reported in some Indian news outlets, this special permit list includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bahrain, Bhutan and Nepal.
These media reports confirm that Maldives has not been included in the list this time.
Nearly 90 percent of onions used in the Maldives is imported from India. According to reports, the agreement with India covering the import of food items including onions at a lower price to Maldives will be expiring this coming March.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not commented on this matter as of yet.
Earlier, with news first breaking of India banning export of onions, the price of a sack of onions in the Maldivian market rose from MVR 400 to over MVR 700. At the time, STO brought in a shipment of onions in a bid to maintain the price.
Relations between India and Maldives remain strained, and the government is engaged in efforts to remove Indian military presence from Maldives.
In January, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that in an attempt to stop the complete dependence of the Maldives on India for staple foods, an agreement has been entered into with Turkey.
Additionally, he said at the time that arrangements have been made to import onions, potatoes, and eggs from other countries as well.
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