India on Thursday has expressed its hope that Maldives will keep to its ‘India First’ policy.

At a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said India attaches the highest importance to its relations with Maldives.

“Our two countries have strong historical and civilizational linkages and also at the people to people level. We are also committed to supporting democracy, development and stability in Maldives. It is our expectation that as a close and friendly neighbour, Maldives will be sensitive to our concerns in keeping with its ‘India First’ policy.”

Regarding the China-Maldives FTA, he said the Indian government has seen reports about the agreement, and on the manner in which it was passed by the Maldives parliament.

“We are actually yet to see the full document and hence it may not be appropriate for me to comment on the contents.”

On President Abdulla Yameen’s visit to China, he said “as long as the development of bilateral relations between the two countries contribute to the peace and stability in the region, I think we should welcome that.”