The government of Mauritius has suspended diplomatic relations with the Maldives with immediate effect, citing a disagreement over sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office of Mauritius, the decision was attributed to the Maldives’ position that it does not recognise Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.

The move follows remarks by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who publicly reaffirmed that the Maldives opposes the transfer of sovereign claim over the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius. The President stated that the Government has formally requested consultations with the United Kingdom to discuss the matter.

During his Presidential Address at the opening of Parliament this year, President Dr Muizzu revealed that the Government submitted written objections to the UK on 8 November 2024 and 18 January 2026, expressing its rejection of the proposed transfer. He also disclosed that, during a telephone call on 15 December 2025 with British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, the Maldives conveyed its desire for further dialogue.

President Dr Muizzu further confirmed that the Maldivian Government informed both the government of Mauritius and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) of its strong opposition to any Mauritian economic activity in the Chagos region that could adversely affect the Maldivian fisheries and tourism sectors.

In addition, the Maldives formally notified the Prime Minister of Mauritius of its decision to withdraw a letter issued on 22 August 2022 by the previous administration regarding the Government’s position on the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on the Chagos Archipelago.

Nigel Farage, a Member of Parliament and leader of Reform UK, has argued that historical connections to Chagos lie with the Maldives rather than Mauritius.

Geographically, the Chagos Archipelago lies approximately 310 miles from Malé, compared to roughly 1,300 miles from Port Louis, Mauritius. The Maldivian Government has also pointed to historical accounts, including a 16th century royal decree by a Maldivian Sultan asserting sovereignty over the islands, as well as longstanding maritime links, as evidence of deep-rooted ties between the Maldives and the archipelago.