Speaker of Parliament, and Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that India has never infringed on our rights for self-determination.

President Nasheed made the statement during the parliament sitting on Saturday night, before going on to invite Indian PM Narendra Modi to address the parliament.

“India has never infringed on our rights for self-determination, but has always got us out of troubled waters. We always thank the Indian people and governments for this," President Nasheed said.

President Nasheed also noted that India was the oldest regional partner, and that both countries have an age old friendship.

“Mr. Prime Minister, the Parliament of India and the People’s Majlis had always enjoyed friendly and fraternal relations. I am confident that the India-Maldives relations would further continue to grow and strengthen in the coming years under your able leadership," he added.

Following PM Modi's address to the Maldives, a copy of the first constitution was gifted to him, as a token of appreciation for India’s deference towards the Maldives.