Maldivian President Invites UK Prime Minister for Chagos Islands Talks
The invitation was conveyed in a letter to Burnham. | Photo: Envato
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has invited British Prime Minister Andy Burnham for official talks over the future of the Chagos Archipelago, as the United Kingdom moves to continue an agreement transferring sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius.
The invitation was conveyed in a letter to Burnham, in which the President raised the Maldives’ concerns about proceeding with the transfer without direct engagement with the Maldivian government.
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The United Kingdom and Mauritius signed a treaty in May 2025 recognising Mauritian sovereignty over the entire Chagos Archipelago. Under the agreement, the UK would retain control of Diego Garcia for an initial 99 years to maintain the joint UK-US military base located on the island.
Implementation of the agreement stalled earlier this year amid political and security concerns. However, the British government has recently indicated that it remains committed to the arrangement, with discussions between UK and Mauritian officials continuing.
The Maldives’ intervention follows a change in its official position on the dispute. In February, President Muizzu withdrew a 2022 letter issued by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih that supported Mauritius’ sovereignty claim.
The current administration maintains that historical links between the Maldives and Chagos give the country a legitimate interest in decisions concerning the archipelago. It has also raised concerns about the possible effects of future economic and conservation policies around Chagos on Maldivian fisheries and tourism.
In his letter, President Muizzu referred to historical and cultural connections between the Maldives and Chagos, as well as Maldivian involvement in marine conservation and scientific research expeditions in the region.
He proposed renewed dialogue with the United Kingdom to address the Maldives’ position while continuing bilateral cooperation on regional security and other matters connected to the archipelago.
The Chagos dispute also has implications for Indian Ocean security because Diego Garcia hosts a strategically important military facility operated by the United Kingdom and the United States.
