The Maldives has called for India to withdraw troops from its territory by March 15, an official said on Sunday.

"On behalf of President Muizzu, the Maldivian delegation proposed the removal of Indian troops by March 15," Ahmed Nazim, policy director at the President's Office, told reporters. "This date was proposed in the agenda by the government and specifically the president. These discussions are ongoing."

India has a deployment of about 89 personnel, including medical staff, to operate three aircraft to patrol the archipelago's vast maritime territory.

(With input from agencies)