President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has formally raised the Maldives’ sovereignty claim over the Chagos Islands, historically known in the Maldives as Foalhavahi, stating that the Maldives holds a stronger claim to the territory.

In an interview with Express UK, President Dr Muizzu confirmed that the Government has communicated its position to the British government regarding the future of the Chagos Islands. He said the Maldives is geographically closer to the archipelago, has stronger historical links, and is legally better positioned than Mauritius to assert sovereignty over the territory.

The President has previously made formal representations to the United Kingdom outlining its claim, although he did not disclose details of the discussions. He reiterated that the Maldives’ claim to the Chagos Islands is stronger than that of any other country.

The United Kingdom agreed in May 2025 to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The proposed agreement has drawn international attention, including recent criticism from US President Donald Trump, who described the move as an “act of great stupidity.”

Geographically, the Chagos Islands are located approximately 310 miles from Malé, while the distance between Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, and the archipelago is about 1,300 miles. Historical records and writings by Maldivian sultans have previously referenced the Chagos Islands as being linked to the Maldives, with accounts indicating that Maldivians inhabited the atoll in ancient times.

Under the agreement being pursued by the United Kingdom, Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Islands would be recognised, while operational control of the strategically significant Diego Garcia military base would be retained by the UK under a 99-year lease. International reports indicate that the UK would pay Mauritius approximately £101 million annually to maintain access to the base, which is considered critical to UK–US defence operations in the Indo-Pacific region.