The Maldives government has issued an order to India, asking it to withdraw its military personnel from the island nation. The office of the president said that India has at least 77 military personnel stationed in the country, and they need to leave by the end of the month.
The demand comes amid rising tensions between the two countries, following the Maldives’ decision to cancel a $500 million contract with India for the development of a naval base and airport on the island of Gan. India signed the agreement in 2016 to get an influence in the Indian Ocean region.
India faces a massive international diplomatic humiliation after the Maldives ordered to kick out their soldiers.