Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Maldives is a precious friend to India and the two countries will work together for the welfare of the people.

Modi made the remarks in a thank you post to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's message to India's leaders on the occasion country's 76th Independence Day.

In a post today, President Dr Muizzu said that the long-standing friendship between India and the Maldives has brought development to the region and the two nations.

Relations with India soured in the early days of the current government, when three deputy ministers of the government mocked Modi and indirectly criticised India by senior government officials, which resulted in a significant reduction in tourist arrivals from the country. However relations between the two countries, which have been strained by the government's efforts, have been improving.

Maldivian Tourism Minister and Foreign Minister have also visited India, while the External Affairs Minister of India has also visited the Maldives recently.