India, July 25 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India is Maldives' closest neighbour even as he lauded the bilateral relations between the two countries.

While addressing the a briefing in Maldives with President Mohamed Muizzu, PM Modi said, "For us it is always friendship first."

Prime Minister Modi said that though India and Maldives are celebrating 60 years of their diplomatic relations, the "roots go as deep as the sea".

"This year, India and Maldives are also celebrating 60 years of their diplomatic relations. But the roots of our relations are older than history and as deep as the sea. The commemorative stamps released today display traditional boats of both nations. This reflects that we are not just neighbou...