Mauritius Severs Ties with Maldives Over Chagos Islands Row

(MENAFN) Mauritius has severed diplomatic relations with the Maldives, citing Malé's refusal to recognize Mauritian sovereignty over the disputed Chagos Islands in a significant escalation of tensions between the two Indian Ocean nations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade announced Friday that the rupture follows the Maldivian government's declaration that "it no longer recognizes the sovereignty of the Republic of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago, its territorial integrity and is now objecting to the Agreement between Mauritius and the United Kingdom."

The decision, formalized following a late-night Cabinet session, "reflects the commitment of Mauritius to safeguard its national interest and uphold the principles of sovereignty and respect to the United Nations Charter, international law, peace and stability in the region," the ministry's statement read.

At the heart of the dispute lies a landmark agreement struck last year between Mauritius and the United Kingdom over the Chagos Islands — officially designated the British Indian Ocean Territory — under which London would cede sovereignty of the archipelago to Port Louis while retaining a long-term lease on a joint UK-US military installation on the territory's largest island.

The deal has since come under renewed pressure after US President Donald Trump publicly urged London to abandon the arrangement, casting fresh uncertainty over its future.

Malé has emerged as a vocal critic of the proposed transfer, formally objecting to the agreement and pressing for direct bilateral negotiations with the UK. Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recently argued that the Maldives holds a stronger historical and legal claim to the territory than Mauritius — a position Port Louis has now deemed incompatible with the continuation of normal diplomatic ties.

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