MALE: After its request to withdraw Indian troops by March 15, India and Maldives held extensive talks on Sunday to find out a "mutually workable solution".

"Both sides also held discussions on finding a mutually workable solution to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives," the ministry of external affairs said in a statement.

It was a poll promise by pro-Beijing President Muizzu to remove Indian troops from Maldives. Currently, 70 Indian soldiers, one Dornier and two helicopters are in the Maldives. Relations between the two nations were strained after three deputy ministers of the Maldivian government post derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's post on Lakshadweep triggered a controversy.

Amid this, Mohamed Muizzu made a visit to China and indirectly jabbed India over the recent row. Without naming any country, Maldivian president said, “We may be small, but that doesn't give you the license to bully us”.