Maldives asks India to withdraw its military presence

The Maldives government has formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives, a press release issued from the Maldives President's office said. "President Dr Mohamed Muizzu formally made the request when he met the Minister of Earth Sciences of India, H.E. Mr Kiren Rijiju, at the President's Office earlier today," the release said. Union minister Kiren Rijiju represented India at the inauguration of the Maldives' new leader which was a significant downgrade from the previous occasions where the prime minister was present.

Mohamed Muizzu, the newly elected president of Maldives speaks during his inauguration ceremony in Male, Maldives November 17.(REUTERS)

Before being elected, Muizzu made it clear that his top priority would be to remove the presence of the Indian military as soon as possible.