Maldives welcomes UK move to halt Chagos agreement

The Maldives has welcomed the decision by the United Kingdom to suspend the implementation of its agreement with Mauritius on the transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.

The UK’s decision comes amid changes in its relations with the United States and the absence of formal authorisation from the US.

Under the agreement reached in May 2025, sovereignty over the archipelago was to be transferred to Mauritius, with the UK leasing back the Diego Garcia base for an annual payment of £101 million.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maldives said the decision presents an opportunity for the Maldives in its position regarding sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. The ministry stated that the development supports efforts to pursue Maldivian claims.

The statement also called on the UK to consider the position of the Maldives and to maintain stability in the Indian Ocean in line with international law.

On 28 April 2024, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea delivered a ruling on maritime boundaries between the southern waters of the Maldives and the northern maritime area of the Chagos Archipelago.

The tribunal divided the disputed area of 92,563 square kilometres as follows:

The People’s National Congress had stated that the ruling affected a portion of the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone. The issue was included in the campaign of President Mohamed Muizzu.

The government has stated that it is working to revisit the matter through ITLOS, although no further update has been provided.

President Muizzu has also communicated to the UK government that the Maldives maintains its claim over the Chagos Islands.

In his Presidential Address this year, Muizzu announced the withdrawal of a letter sent by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to the Prime Minister of Mauritius, which had recognised Mauritian sovereignty over the islands. The People’s Majlis has not taken a decision on the withdrawal of the letter.