India probes smuggling of Maldives sugar in Sri Lanka
According to the reports, the DGFT has suspended sugar exports to the Maldives while investigating the matter.
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Indian government has launched an investigation into the alleged illegal smuggling of 70 tonnes of sugar sent to the Maldives under a special agreement.
Indian newspapers reported on Saturday that the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, is handling the inquiry.
The issue, reported on October 25, involves 70 tonnes out of a total of 64,494.33 tonnes of sugar agreed to be exported to the Maldives under an agreement signed in April. The agreement included the export of sugar along with other items such as flour, millet, eggs, onions, and garlic.
According to the reports, the DGFT has suspended sugar exports to the Maldives while investigating the matter.
Details from the investigation indicate that:
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Seven parcels of sugar were shipped from the Nava Sheva port in India.
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Customs authorities in Sri Lanka seized approximately 70 containers of sugar shipped from India to Maldives.
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The shipment was in transit, with the bill of lading specifying Colombo as the final port of destination.
India had suspended normal sugar exports from September 2023 to October 2024 but allowed exports to the Maldives under the special agreement.
