Mauritius has suspended all diplomatic relations with the Maldives after the Muizzu government rejected Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Islands and opposed the UK-Mauritius handover deal.
At its cabinet meeting on Friday, the Mauritian government formally took note of the Maldives’ recent stance, which no longer recognizes Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago and objects to the agreement under which the United Kingdom had planned to transfer the islands to Mauritius.
According to government documents, the cabinet also discussed concerns over the delayed legislative process for the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill in the UK, which is expected to be activated once an agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States is finalized. The Mauritian government said it is closely monitoring the situation.
Despite Mauritius’ firm stance, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has asserted that Maldivians have historically regarded the Chagos archipelago as part of the nation’s territory. Speaking at the inaugural parliamentary sitting earlier this month, President Muizzu cited historical documents indicating that Chagos was once included within Maldives’ official boundaries.
He also highlighted the longstanding activities of Maldivian fishermen in Chagos waters, arguing that these enduring ties demonstrate a clear sovereign connection between the Maldives and the archipelago.
President Muizzu further stated that the Maldivian government formally submitted written objections to the United Kingdom on November 8, 2024, and January 18, 2026, opposing the transfer of Chagos to Mauritius. He added that on December 15, 2025, he personally raised the matter with UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, expressing the Maldives’ wish to initiate formal discussions with the British government.
The United Kingdom, however, has maintained that the sovereignty dispute is a bilateral issue strictly between London and Mauritius, rejecting the Maldives’ claims.
The suspension of diplomatic ties marks a significant escalation in the long-running dispute over the strategically important Chagos Islands and underscores the growing tensions in the Indian Ocean region.
