NEW DELHI: Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed on Wednesday said that the island nation has always maintained an “India-first foreign policy”, noting that it did “swing between a strong pro-China stance and a strong pro-India stance” in the past. He also praised India for its economic assistance and expressed hope from the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the country.“We have always maintained an India-first foreign policy in the Maldives. But in the past, election cycles have sometimes caused our foreign policy to swing between a strong pro-China stance and a strong pro-India stance,” ANI quoted him saying. “Today, unlike before, across the spectrum of Maldivian politics, the approach is firmly India-first,” he added.“When relations are strong, everyone benefits. I believe that the Prime Minister’s visit will further boost Indian tourist arrivals to the Maldives,” he said.On India’s role in Maldivian economic upliftment, he said, “If not for India, we would have gone default. Indian assistance and partnership in the Maldives are deeply valued and have played a critical role during our challenging times. With mounting financial difficulties and substantial debt repayment obligations, India’s timely support helped us avoid default and maintain stability.”“Hanimadu Airport would be just a little over an hour from most of the southern Indian cities. There is a big opportunity for both countries to benefit,” he said.PM Modi will visit the Maldives from July 25 to 26 at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu, where he will serve as the guest of honour at the nation’s 60th Independence Day celebrations.The India-Maldives diplomatic row began in 2024 after three Maldivian deputy ministers made derogatory comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggered by his promotion of Lakshadweep as a tourist destination. Though the Maldivian government swiftly suspended the officials and distanced itself from their remarks, the backlash in India was swift and widespread.