India pares restriction-free food exports to Maldives amid tension in ties

India's overall exports to Maldives stood at $217 mn in 2017-18 as compared to the $197 mn in the previous year

At a time when diplomatic tussle between India and Maldives has been making news, New Delhi has slashed the amount of restriction-free exports of essential commodities permitted to the island nation every year.
 
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 dal that is exported to the island nation free of restrictions.
 
It also slashed the levels of wheat flour to a bare minimum. Maldives imports all of its food requirements.
 
Relations between New Delhi and Maldives, India’s long-term ally