Ousted Maldives leader to meet Indian PM

NEW DELHI, April 18 (UPI) -- Ousted Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed said he will meet with the Indian prime minister as part of an effort prove he is the true leader of Maldives.

Speaking from New Delhi, Nasheed said he and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will meet Monday.

The former president was overthrown by an army-backed coup on Feb. 7, The Wall Street Journal reported. India has since recognized the new Maldivian government and has worked to persuade the Maldives government to hold presidential elections as soon as possible.

Nasheed said he hopes that after the meeting, Singh will publicly recognize his leadership.

"A public change of position, this is what we are seeking," Nasheed said. "I am optimistic. We need to find the right language for them."

A spokesman for Singh said "no meeting is on the agenda so far" but the government would make an announcement if that changes.