Maldives Urges UK to Reconsider Chagos Handover to Mauritius
President Mohamed Muizzu has written to UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham requesting renewed negotiations on the Chagos Islands' sovereignty. The Maldives argues its historical and geographic ties to the archipelago, which hosts the Diego Garcia military base. The UK previously agreed to transfer the islands to Mauritius under a deal finalized by former PM Keir Starmer.
Muizzu's letter emphasizes the Maldives' geographic proximity to the archipelago, noting it lies roughly 500 kilometers away, while Mauritius is more than four times that distance. He also cited shared cultural history and the Maldives' involvement in regional marine conservation and scientific research expeditions.
The UK Foreign Office countered that sovereignty is strictly a bilateral matter between London and Port Louis, with negotiations initiated in 2022. This diplomatic push follows the previous administration's deal being shelved in April due to Washington's opposition, though Mauritius has pledged to continue pursuing the territory.
This intervention could complicate the already stalled transfer process, potentially emboldening other regional actors to challenge the UK's authority over the archipelago. The ongoing dispute may affect the strategic stability of the Diego Garcia base, as shifting diplomatic alliances could influence future lease arrangements. Residents of the islands and the broader Indian Ocean region could see renewed uncertainty regarding territorial governance, while the UK government may face increased pressure to balance international legal obligations with geopolitical realities.