Mauritius Open to Talks With Maldives Over Chagos Dispute, Says Nasheed

Mauritius is prepared to engage in discussions with the Maldives to restore diplomatic relations following tensions over the Chagos archipelago dispute, former President Mohamed Nasheed has said.

Relations between the two countries deteriorated after the Maldives objected to plans for the United Kingdom to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius. On 27 February, the Mauritian cabinet decided to suspend diplomatic ties with the Maldives over the issue.

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Speaking to reporters after returning to Malé from New Delhi, where he attended the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue summit, Nasheed said he met Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful during the visit.

Nasheed said discussions focused on creating an opportunity for both countries to hold talks and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute. He stated that maintaining diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries was important and expressed hope that both governments would make use of the opportunity for dialogue.

Nasheed had previously described Mauritius’ decision to suspend diplomatic ties as concerning and had called for both sides to resolve the matter amicably through discussions. He has also stated that the Maldives can engage in talks with Mauritius without changing its position on the Chagos issue.

The dispute intensified after President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reiterated the Maldives’ claim to historical ties with the Chagos archipelago during his annual presidential address to Parliament on 5 February. He stated that the Maldives has historical claims dating back centuries and argued that the islands are geographically closer to the Maldives than Mauritius.

President Muizzu also revealed that his administration had formally objected to the United Kingdom’s plan to hand over the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius through submissions sent on 8 November 2024 and 18 January 2026.

The President further announced the withdrawal of a letter sent by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration in 2022 recognising Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago following independence from British colonial rule.

The Chagos issue gained renewed international attention in May 2025 when the United Kingdom agreed to transfer sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius, while allowing the United States and the UK to continue operating the Diego Garcia military base for the next 99 years.

However, the UK later paused the plan in April following opposition from United States President Donald Trump. The Maldivian government welcomed the decision and stated that it viewed the pause as an opportunity to renew negotiations involving the Maldives.

President Muizzu and Nasheed have both maintained that the Maldives is geographically, historically and legally connected to the Chagos Islands, which are known locally as Foalhavahi.