India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that the Maldives holds a special place in India's "Neighbourhood First" policy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this in a statement released on the occasion of the 55th Republic Day of Maldives. In his statement, he congratulated the people of the Maldives on behalf of the Government and the people of India on the Republic Day of the Maldives.

Prime Minister Modi, in his message, conveyed that India and the Maldives hold a close relationship led by strong historical, cultural, and dynamic people-to-people ties. He also reiterated that the Maldives holds a special place in India's "Neighbourhood First" policy.

"The Maldives holds a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and is a key player in enabling the vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)," the statement further read.

Prime Minister assured that India will work closely with the Maldives for the continued socio-economic progress of the two countries. This multi-dimensional partnership will take it to a new level in the coming years, said Modi in his statement.