The Maldives Government has formally notified the United Kingdom that it does not accept the agreement reached with Mauritius over Foalhvahi.

A report by BBC on Saturday cited the President’s Office as confirming that the Maldives conveyed its position through two official letters and a phone call to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

The Government described the agreement as deeply concerning and said it had not been consulted despite having direct interests in the matter. The Maldives has also signalled its intention to pursue international legal avenues to assert its sovereignty claim over Foalhvahi.

Responding to the development, UK Minister Stephen Doughty stated that sovereignty over the archipelago is an issue between the UK and Mauritius, adding that the Maldives has no role in the matter. UK Government sources cited in the report noted that international courts have ruled sovereignty over the islands belongs to Mauritius.

Under an agreement reached last year, the UK agreed to transfer control of the territory to Mauritius while continuing to pay GBP 101 million annually to maintain the joint UK-US military base located there.

Rejecting the arrangement, the Maldives Government reaffirmed its long-standing claim to Foalhvahi, citing historical and administrative ties as well as geographic proximity. The Government emphasised that decisions taken without its involvement could have implications for Maldives’ sovereignty.

In its communication to the BBC, the Government detailed that letters rejecting the agreement were sent in November 2024 and January 2026. These communications stressed that excluding the Maldives from negotiations raises serious concerns given its direct stake in the issue.

The Government further stated that it is prepared to take all necessary steps, including legal action through international courts, to safeguard its sovereign rights. It added that all available avenues under international law will be pursued to protect national interests.

The Maldives also expressed hope that the UK will engage in meaningful consultations to resolve the matter in a manner that reflects mutual respect and historical realities.