Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India has always played the role of first responder for the Maldives.

In a joint press statement after holding delegation-level talks with the President of Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Prime Minister Modi said  India has always fulfilled its responsibility of a neighbour.

He said, be it fulfilling the need of essential commodities for the people of Maldives, making drinking water available during natural calamities, or providing vaccines to that country during COVID-19 times.

He said, the relationship between India and Maldives is centuries old and India is its closest neighbour and close friend. Mr Modi said, Maldives also has an important place in our “Neighbourhood First” policy and “SAGAR” Vision.

Prime Minister Modi also virtually inaugurate the runway of Hanimaadhoo International Airport in Maldives with Maldives President Dr Muizzu. RuPay card payments have also been introduced in Maldives as Mr Modi and Dr Muizzu witnessed the first such transaction.

Several Memorandum of Understanding – MoUs have also been signed between the two nations, including, in the area of combating corruption, judiciary and youth and sports.