The Maldives has formally notified the United Kingdom that it does not recognise the proposed transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, escalating a growing diplomatic dispute over sovereignty in the Indian Ocean, according to a report by BBC.
President Mohamed Muizzu has conveyed the country’s opposition through official correspondence and direct engagement with British officials, asserting that Maldivian interests have been overlooked in negotiations between London and Port Louis. His office described the deal as “deeply concerning” and warned that any transfer must account for the Maldives’ historical and sovereign claims.
The dispute centres on the Chagos Archipelago, officially administered by the UK as the British Indian Ocean Territory. Britain agreed last year to transfer control of the islands to Mauritius, while maintaining access to a joint UK–US military base through a long-term lease arrangement. However, the agreement remains unratified and politically contested.
Malé has now positioned itself as a competing claimant, arguing that its historical and geographical ties to the archipelago predate other claims. In statements cited by the BBC, the Maldivian government stressed that it “does not recognise” any transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius and is prepared to pursue international legal avenues to assert its position.
British officials have rejected the Maldives’ claim, maintaining that sovereignty discussions are strictly between the UK and Mauritius. Foreign Office minister stated that the matter does not involve third parties, while sources noted that international rulings have already favoured Mauritius.
Legal precedents complicate the Maldives’ stance. In 2019, the International Court of Justice concluded that Britain’s separation of the Chagos Islands from Mauritius in 1965 was unlawful, urging the UK to end its administration. This was reinforced by a 2023 decision from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea supporting Mauritius’ position. Although advisory, these rulings carry significant diplomatic weight and were endorsed by a near-unanimous vote at the UN General Assembly.
Despite this, the Maldives has signalled it is reviewing the legal landscape and may submit its own case to international courts. The government said it is assessing “all lawful means” to defend national interests, indicating that a formal challenge could be imminent.
The broader geopolitical context adds further uncertainty. The deal has stalled amid political pressure in the UK and abroad, including opposition from US President Donald Trump, who publicly urged Britain not to relinquish control of the territory.
With Mauritius continuing to press its longstanding claim and the UK facing mounting legal and political scrutiny, the Maldives’ intervention introduces a new layer of complexity to an already contentious dispute, raising the prospect of prolonged international litigation over one of the Indian Ocean’s most strategically significant island groups.
