India, July 26 -- Indian PM Narendra Modi, who is visiting Maldives, on Friday said New Delhi and Male share a centuries-old relationship and both, as 'friends' they have stood together in times of need.

During a banquet hosted in his honour by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Modi said: "India-Maldives relations are centuries old. We are neighbours, partners and true friends who stand together in times of need."

He said Maldives holds a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Focussing on the people-to-people ties, Modi said: "Your tourist number 10 lakh this year turned out to be an Indian."

Earlier in the day, Modi met Muizzu at the President's Office in Male to hold bilateral talks and deepen cooperation between ...