Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed today said that his country's ties with India were important for its economic growth and security. "Given our long relationship with your country, we have always had an India-first policy. We can achieve rapid development only by plugging into India's development. Our defence ties with India are very important too. The Indian Army Chief often visits Maldives, and he is very welcome there. Our ties with India are important for our economic growth as well as our security and stability," said Mr Nasheed, who is on a two-day visit to the country for the World Economic Forum India Summit.
