Male, July 23 -- Former Foreign Minister of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid, noted that India has always been the first responder to Maldives because Indians have a generous heart.

Shahid, while talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Maldives on July 25-26, said that the rise in aid from India shows its maturity and generosity.

"The relationship between Maldives and India has always demonstrated that India is the first responder. Whenever we dial the international line, India responds first. It is for many reasons. First and foremost, because Indian people have a big heart and they are always ready to assist Maldives in the neighbourhood, they are most generous," he said.

He said that despite the tensions, India decided with ma...