The Cabinet of Mauritius has resolved to terminate all diplomatic relations with the Maldives with immediate effect, in response to Maldives’ formal objection to the agreement negotiated between the United Kingdom and Mauritius over the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago. The Mauritian government cited Maldives’ rejection of the UK-Mauritius arrangement and its challenge to Mauritius’ claim over the islands as the central reason behind the diplomatic rupture, marking a significant deterioration in bilateral relations.
Maldives formal objection to Chagos sovereignty transfer
The Maldivian government has officially objected to the planned transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago from the United Kingdom to Mauritius. Maldives submitted written representations to the UK government on 8 November 2024 and 18 January 2026, formally rejecting the handover agreement and requesting consultations. The objection comes as part of Male’s broader position that the outcome of the UK-Mauritius deal constitutes a loss of Maldivian maritime territory and adversely affects its national interests. Maldivian officials have also sought talks with the UK on the matter, citing potential impacts on fisheries and economic zones.
President Muizzu’s statements on Maldives’ claim
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has repeatedly articulated that the Maldives holds a strong and superior claim to sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, which Maldivians refer to as Foalhavahi, on geographical, historical, and legal grounds. He has stated that the Maldives is geographically closer to Chagos than Mauritius, and that historical records and documentation establish longstanding Maldivian connections to the archipelago, including past fishing activity and maritime ties. President Muizzu has said that official correspondence outlining Maldives’ position has been communicated to the British government, and that Male is prepared to defend its claim through diplomatic and legal avenues.
In parliamentary addresses, President Muizzu framed the UK decision to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius as a loss of maritime territory for the Maldives, attributing it to shortcomings by a previous administration, and has pledged to reclaim the areas affected. He has also revoked a 2022 letter sent by the former government supporting Mauritius’ claim, ordering an inquiry into that decision and reaffirming the Maldives’ stance on Chagos sovereignty.
These developments reflect growing diplomatic friction in the Indian Ocean region over unresolved historical claims, maritime boundaries, and competing interpretations of sovereignty in the context of a controversial UK-Mauritius agreement.
