Male, July 23 -- Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the island nation will significantly boost tourism from India and reaffirm bilateral ties.

"When relations are strong, everyone benefits. I believe that the Prime Minister's visit will further boost Indian tourist arrivals to the Maldives," Nasheed told ANI in an exclusive conversation ahead of PM Modi's two-day visit for the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations.

Nasheed also highlighted that the Hanimadu Airport project, being built with Indian financial assistance, is nearing completion and will improve air connectivity between southern Indian cities and northern Maldives.

"Hanimadu Airport would ...