The Maldives government has formally ‘requested’ India to withdraw its military personnel from its shores, 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.

India said both countries will try to find a “workable solution”.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju represented India at the inauguration of the Maldives’ new leader.

The withdrawal of India’s military presence in Maldives was one of the major issues in the presidential elections held in September. Muizzu, who successfully challenged the then incumbent president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, had promised to ensure the removal of Indian troops and maintain geopolitical neutrality if he is elected to power.