India slashes rates of restriction-free food exports to Maldives amidst tensions

The Indian government has slashed amount of restriction-free exports of essential commodities permitted to the Maldives. The move came when the ties between the two nations are being stressful. According to a recent notification, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has cut by half or more the quantities of rice, potatoes, onion and pulses that is exported to maldives free of restrictions.

It also slashed the levels of wheat flour to a bare minimum. Maldives imports all of its food requirements.

Ties between India and Maldives nosedived after Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen declared Emergency on February 5 following an order by the country's Supreme Court to release a group of opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. The emergency was lifted 45 days later.

Asked about opposition in Seychelles against a pact that country had signed with India to build a military base there, sources said it was the island nation which wanted the project to move ahead.

The military base on Assumption Island was to be set up by India. Earlier, in February, Maldives had declined India's invitation to participate in the eight-day mega naval exercise - Milan - from March 6-13.

China has been trying to expand its influence over Maldives and it had appeared to be supportive of President Yameen's decision to clamp emergency.

Interestingly, Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa paid a rare visit to Maldives this week. Bajwa met Maldivian defence minister Adam Shareef Umar and called on Maldives President Yameen.