Mauritius breaks diplomatic relations after Maldives challenges UK-Chagos deal

Mauritius terminated diplomatic relations with the Maldives effective immediately, in response to the Maldives' formal objection to the UK-Mauritius agreement over the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago. The Maldives submitted written representations to the UK on 8 November 2024 and 18 January 2026. President Muizzu claims the Maldives has a stronger claim to Chagos (referred to as Foalhavahi) on geographical, historical, and legal grounds. He revoked a 2022 letter from the former government supporting Mauritius' claim. The move signals growing diplomatic friction in the Indian Ocean.

Mauritius terminated diplomatic relations with the Maldives effective immediately, in response to the Maldives' formal objection to the UK-Mauritius agreement over the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago. The Maldives submitted written representations to the UK on 8 November 2024 and 18 January 2026. President Muizzu claims the Maldives has a stronger claim to Chagos (referred to as Foalhavahi) on geographical, historical, and legal grounds. He revoked a 2022 letter from the former government supporting Mauritius' claim. The move signals growing diplomatic friction in the Indian Ocean.

Mauritius terminated diplomatic relations with the Maldives effective immediately, in response to the Maldives' formal objection to the UK-Mauritius agreement over the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago. The Maldives submitted written representations to the UK on 8 November 2024 and 18 January 2026. President Muizzu claims the Maldives has a stronger claim to Chagos (referred to as Foalhavahi) on geographical, historical, and legal grounds. He revoked a 2022 letter from the former government supporting Mauritius' claim. The move signals growing diplomatic friction in the Indian Ocean.

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