Mohamed Muizzu, Maldives' President-elect has declared his intention for the country to be "fully independent", announcing plans to request the departure of Indian troops stationed in the region.
During an aggressive election campaign, Muizzu accused Ibrahim Solih, the former, of granting India undue influence over Maldivian affairs, adding that the presence has compromised the nation's sovereignty.
Speaking with Bloomberg TV, the President-elect clarified that his stance would remain unchanged irrespective of the nationality of the troops involved.
It is worth noting that approximately 70 Indian military personnel are deployed in Maldives to oversee radar stations and surveillance aircraft.