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."

He shared the deep cultural bond between India and the Maldives in his speech.

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

Ahead of the meeting, the Prime Minister was received by President Muizzu and accorded a ceremonial welcome at Republic Square.

The meeting was marked by warmth and a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.

The Prime Minister expressed heartfelt appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation and conveyed his best wishes on the historic occasion of the 60th anniversary of the independence of Maldives as also on the special occasion of the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The two leaders reflected on the deep bonds of friendship and trust that have been built over centuries, strengthened by strong people-to-people ties.

Both leaders also took stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’, adopted during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024.

Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to further deepen ties with Maldives in keeping with its "Neighbourhood First’ and Vision MAHASAGAR policies. President Muizzu appreciated India’s commitment to being the First Responder for the Maldives when it came to dealing with any crises.

The two leaders discussed cooperation in the fields of development partnership, infrastructure support, capacity building, climate action, and health.

They also called for further strengthening defence and maritime security cooperation and, in this regard, noted the collaboration between the two countries under the Colombo Security Conclave.

The two leaders also reviewed the economic partnership between the two countries. PM Modi underscored that the proposed Free Trade Agreement and the Bilateral Investment Treaty would open new opportunities for both sides.

Noting that the two countries must take advantage of the digital economy, especially to promote tourism, he welcomed the recent understandings on UPI adoption, acceptance of RUPAY card, and trade in local currencies. The two leaders highlighted that the close development partnership between the countries was adding new value to the already strong people-to-people ties.

The two leaders noted that, as Global South partners, they would continue to work on issues such as climate change, promotion of renewable energy, disaster risk reduction and weather science in the interests of the planet and its people.