Male, July 23 -- Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has credited India with helping his country avoid economic collapse during its worst financial crisis in recent times. Talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Maldives, Nasheed said India's timely assistance prevented the Maldives from defaulting on its debt.

"If not for India, we would have gone default," Nasheed told ANI in an exclusive conversation ahead of PM Modi's two-day trip to attend the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations.

He said India's financial help during challenging times had played a critical role in maintaining the island nation's economic stability.

"Indian assistance and partnership in the Maldives are deeply valued and have played...