Male, July 25 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed gratitude and reaffirmed the close ties between India and the Maldives during an official banquet hosted in his honour by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Male.

Emphasising the depth of the bilateral relationship, PM Modi said, "India-Maldives relations are centuries old. We are neighbours, partners and true friends who stand together in times of need. Maldives holds a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy... This is not just diplomacy but a relation of deep affinity."

He reflected on the continuity of recent high-level engagements, saying, "Last year, the President visited India on a State Visit. Now, I have received the opportunity to be the first S...