Under an agreement between the Maldives and India, the Indian High Commission in the Maldives has stated that the period granted for bringing essential goods to the Maldives has once again been extended upon the request of the Maldives.

In a statement released by the Indian High Commission, it said that for both this year and next year, determined varieties of goods will be available at special prices between the two countries. Included among these are eggs, onions, potatoes, lentils, rice, sugar, flour, as well as stone aggregates and river sand.

It noted that this is the largest quantity of goods permitted for import at a single time since the agreement was made between the two countries in 1981.

The Commission stated that the quota for rice has also been increased by 77 percent. The duration of this agreement was extended under that country’s "Neighborhood First Policy."

When the previous government requested these items in 2021, India granted permission for a period of three years. When that permission expired in March 2024, the permission was extended at that time for one year.

Even in circumstances where India bans the export of certain items, these varieties are always available to the Maldives at special prices without any difficulties under this agreement.