Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has formally requested talks with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, a spokesperson confirmed on September 8.
The Maldivian government expressed ‘deep disappointment’ that the UK did not consult the Maldives before Keir Starmer’s government reached a sovereignty agreement with Mauritius in 2022. Under the proposed deal, the UK would transfer control of the archipelago—officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory—to Mauritius while leasing back the US military base on Diego Garcia.
A UK Foreign Office spokesperson stated that sovereignty discussions remain between the UK and Mauritius, adding that the British government continues to engage with Maldivian counterparts on broader regional issues.
Background and Context
The Chagos Islands dispute has persisted for decades, with Mauritius asserting historical claims to the territory. The UK, which administered the islands as a British Overseas Territory, forcibly relocated Chagossian residents in the 1960s and 1970s to facilitate the US military base. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 2019 that the UK’s administration of the islands was unlawful, and the UN General Assembly later demanded the UK withdraw from the territory.
The Labour government’s 2022 agreement with Mauritius aimed to resolve the dispute by recognizing Mauritius’ sovereignty while maintaining the UK-US military presence. However, the deal has faced political and legal challenges, including US opposition under the Trump administration, which criticized the handover as a ‘terrible’ decision.
Maldives’ Position and Rationale
The Maldivian government has long maintained that its proximity to the Chagos Islands—just 600 km to the north—and historical ties justify its inclusion in sovereignty negotiations. In a statement, President Muizzu highlighted the Maldives’ ‘shared history and cultural ties’ with the archipelago, as well as its support for marine conservation and scientific research in the region.
The Maldives has not formally claimed sovereignty over the islands but has repeatedly called for consultations, arguing that any transfer of authority should consider the interests of neighboring states. The UK’s decision to proceed with the Mauritius handover without prior engagement with the Maldives has drawn criticism from Muizzu’s administration.
UK and Mauritius Responses
The UK has reiterated that sovereignty is a matter between itself and Mauritius, emphasizing that the 2022 negotiations were conducted in accordance with international law. A Foreign Office spokesperson noted that while the UK engages with the Maldives on regional issues, the Chagos dispute remains outside these discussions.
Mauritius has not publicly responded to the Maldives’ latest request but has consistently maintained that the UK’s administration of the islands is illegitimate. The Mauritian government has framed the 2022 agreement as a necessary step toward decolonization and the restoration of Chagossian rights.
Ongoing Developments
The UK Parliament has not yet ratified the sovereignty handover, and the agreement remains ‘in limbo’ following the US withdrawal of support. Prime Minister Burnham has not indicated whether he will engage in direct talks with the Maldives, though the request has been formally acknowledged by Downing Street.