Maldives is a central pillar in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, said the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a telephonic conversation with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and took stock of the overall state of bilateral relations.

During their conversation both leaders also reviewed the progress of the India-supported development projects in the Indian Ocean country and expressed satisfaction at the rapid pace of implementation despite the constraints of Covid-19 pandemic, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Prime Minister Modi noted that Maldives is a central pillar in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its maritime vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

The Prime Minister also conveyed his congratulations to President Solih for the election of Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid as the President of the UN General Assembly.

President Solih thanked Prime Minister Modi for India's cooperation and support in the fight against the Covid pandemic.

According to the MEA, the telephone conversation between the two leaders provided them an opportunity to take stock of the overall state of bilateral relations and provide further momentum and guidance to the on-going substantive cooperation between the two countries.