"Today in Maldives, and in Majlis, I am very happy to be present among you. Majlis took the decision to invite me, in its first meeting after Mohamed Nasheed Ji became the speaker. "Your gesture has touched the heart of every Indian and has enhanced their respect and dignity," he said at Parliament. Following his address, Prime Minister Modi thanked the members of Parliament. "I thank members of the @mvpeoplesmajlis for being a part of today's programme. My speech covered aspects of bilateral ties between our nations, the need to eliminate terror, working together to combat climate change and other issues," he said on Twitter. He also expressed happiness over the deal signed between the two countries on the ferry service. "I and 130 million Indians wish you all the best. The joy and enthusiasm of the holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr are still with us. I congratulate all of you and all the people of the Maldives on this occasion," Modi said. He said that the Maldives - which is more than a thousand garlands of islands - is a special jewel not just of the Indian Ocean but of the whole world. Modi said that "the Majlis is not just a building made of brick but this is the energy of democracy where the country's beats echo in your thoughts and sounds. Here, people's dreams and hopes are turned into reality through you".

"'Neighbourhood First' is our priority. And in the neighbourhood, the priority of the Maldives is natural. Therefore, my presence today is not just a coincidence," he said. Modi said that India will remain a reliable, strong and leading partner for democracy and prosperity in the Maldives. "I am happy that the Maldivians who come to India for education, health, business among others have been facilitated with the visa facilitation agreement," he said. Prime Minister Modi and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih reaffirmed their "unequivocal and uncompromising position" against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, both within the region and elsewhere, according to India-Maldives joint statement. In recognition that the security interests of both countries are interlinked in the region, they reiterated their assurance of being mindful of each other's concerns and aspirations for the stability of the region and not allowing their respective territories to be used for any activity inimical to the other, it said.

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"The two leaders also agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region, and to strengthen coordination in enhancing maritime security in the region, through coordinated patrolling and aerial surveillance, exchange of information, and capacity building," the statement said. Modi and Solih agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation on issues of common concern including piracy, terrorism, organised crime, drugs and human trafficking, it said. They agreed to set up a joint working group on counter-terrorism, countering violent extremism and de-radicalisation, the statement added. Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

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