Maldives Challenges UK Over Strategic Decision to Grant Chagos to Mauritius

The Maldivian government has announced it is preparing legal action against the United Kingdom’s decision to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu condemned Mauritius’ decision to suspend diplomatic ties with his nation.

President Muizzu described the severance of relations as “unreasonable,” “naive,” and “immature,” asserting that the move—taken without prior discussion—would not alter the underlying territorial dispute.

A “Maldives First” Approach

President Muizzu maintained that Mauritius cannot hold a sovereign claim over territory that “does not belong to them.” He argued that if the archipelago were to be handed to any nation, it should be the Maldives.

“Maldives’ stand will not change,” the President stated. “We will go forward with the ‘Maldives First’ policy. The reality will not change through a country cutting ties with our nation.”

Legal Battle Looms

The Maldivian government is currently exploring legal avenues to challenge British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to grant Chagos to Mauritius.

Officials contend that the Maldives’ territorial rights over the islands are “far stronger” than those claimed by Mauritius.

While no official case has yet been filed with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a comprehensive legal review is underway.

The government confirmed it is consulting with international legal experts and relevant domestic authorities to determine the best course of action.

Diplomatic Paper Trail

Tensions have been building for over a year. The Maldivian government revealed it has officially shared its diplomatic concerns with the British government through formal correspondence.

Letters outlining the Maldives’ position were sent to the UK in November 2024 and as recently as January 2026.

Despite the suspension of ties by Mauritius, the Maldives remains firm in its assertion that the transfer of the archipelago remains a contested matter of sovereignty.

Source: The Edition