“EAM Jaishankar Reiterates Commitment to ‘Neighborhood First’ and SAGAR Policies Following Thanks from Maldives Minister for Essential Exports”

Image Source:- ANI

In response to Maldivian minister Moosa Zameer’s remarks expressing gratitude towards India for the decision to export essential commodities to the island nation for the fiscal years 2024-2025, Union Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to its policies of ‘Neighborhood First’ and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

Zameer’s acknowledgment emphasized the enduring friendship between the two countries and their shared dedication to expanding bilateral trade and commerce.

Taking to social media platform X, Zameer thanked External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar and the Indian government for renewing the quota, highlighting the significance of this gesture in strengthening bilateral ties.

EAM Jaishankar, in response, reaffirmed India’s commitment to its Neighborhood First and SAGAR policies, underscoring India’s prioritization of relations with its neighboring countries and its broader regional strategy. The decision to renew the quota for essential commodities for the Maldives for 2024-2025 reflects India’s ongoing support for the Maldives’ development and prosperity under its ‘Neighborhood First’ policy.

Additionally, the Indian High Commission in the Maldives announced the upward revision of quotas for essential commodities, marking the highest quantities approved since the arrangement’s inception in 1981.

Notably, this includes a significant increase in quotas for items crucial to the Maldives’ construction industry, such as river sand and stone aggregates.

Despite past strains in India-Maldives relations, recent developments indicate a positive trajectory, with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu expressing hopes for debt relief measures from India and emphasizing the enduring friendship between the two nations. This reaffirms the importance of diplomatic engagement and cooperation in fostering strong ties between India and the Maldives.

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Author:- Apoorva Arora