A BBC report says Britain is set to shelve its agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, amid opposition from US President Donald Trump. The development complicates the Maldives' own overlapping claims to the archipelago, which President Mohamed Muizzu has contested, including by challenging an ITLOS maritime boundary ruling.
One outlet so far Only Maldives Republic has reported this among the sources we monitor. A gap in what we monitor, not proof that others did not report it.
act of total weakness
The International Court of Justice has spoken. The United Nations General Assembly has endorsed. Britain has signed. There is no ambiguity left to resolve — only a decision to implement.
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The proposed deal would have seen Britain cede sovereignty to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia base for an average annual cost of approximately US$136 million.
Word for word from the report in Maldives Republic. Open the report
Under that ruling, the Maldives gained around 92,563 square kilometres but lost approximately 45,331 square kilometres from its previously claimed Exclusive Economic Zone.
Word for word from the report in Maldives Republic. Open the report
Under that ruling, the Maldives gained around 92,563 square kilometres but lost approximately 45,331 square kilometres from its previously claimed Exclusive Economic Zone.
Word for word from the report in Maldives Republic. Open the report
The reversal stems from strong opposition by US President Donald Trump, who in January urged British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to abandon the deal, describing it as an “act of total weakness.”
Word for word from the report in Maldives Republic. Open the report
In May 2025, Britain signed an agreement recognising Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.
Word for word from the report in Maldives Republic. Open the report
Muizzu cited national security concerns and invoked domestic laws, including the Armed Forces Act and Maritime Zones Act, to justify Maldivian patrols and sorties over the disputed waters.
Word for word from the report in Maldives Republic. Open the report
