Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has proposed the withdrawal of Indian military presence from the archipelago nation before March 15, according to India Today. Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, had campaigned against India in his elections last year and, upon assuming power, formally requested New Delhi to withdraw its troops from the Maldives. Presently, about 70 Indian troops, along with a Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, are stationed in the Maldives. This move aligns with Muizzu’s party’s main campaign promise of removing Indian troops. The strained relationship between India and the Maldives escalated further after derogatory remarks against PM Modi were made by three Maldivian deputy ministers, leading to a tourism boycott by Indians. Muizzu defended his country, stating that while it is small, it cannot be bullied. Meanwhile, Muizzu’s party suffered a setback as opposition candidate Adam Azim won the mayoral elections in Male by a significant margin.