Maldives Rejects UK Chagos Deal, Threatens Legal Action

Maldives Rejects UK Chagos Deal, Challenges Mauritius Transfer

The Maldives has formally informed the United Kingdom that it does not recognise the proposed transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, adding a new layer of diplomatic tension to the long-running sovereignty dispute in the Indian Ocean. President Mohamed Muizzu’s office said the government raised its objections through two official written communications and a direct phone conversation with senior UK officials, describing the arrangement as “deeply concerning.”

The Chagos Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, have remained under British control for over two centuries. However, last year the UK agreed to hand over sovereignty to Mauritius while securing a long-term lease for the strategically important UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, reportedly costing around £101 million annually. This deal was intended to settle years of legal challenges led by Mauritius, which has consistently argued that the islands were unlawfully separated during the colonial era.

The Maldives has now stepped forward with its own claim, asserting historical and administrative ties to the Chagos Archipelago dating back centuries. Officials in Malé argue that any decision taken solely between London and Port Louis ignores Maldivian interests and regional sovereignty concerns. The government has also signalled that it is prepared to approach international legal forums, including possible court action, if its objections continue to be overlooked.

UK officials, however, have maintained that the sovereignty issue is a matter strictly between Britain and Mauritius, pointing out that previous international legal rulings have largely supported Mauritius’s position. The renewed Maldivian claim could complicate the already sensitive geopolitical negotiations surrounding the archipelago, especially because of the strategic importance of Diego Garcia for military and maritime operations in the Indian Ocean.

The development is expected to draw global attention as it not only affects colonial-era territorial disputes but also has wider implications for regional security, maritime routes, and international law in the Indo-Pacific region.