Mauritius has suspended all diplomatic relations with the Maldives with immediate effect in the escalating dispute over the Chagos Archipelago. This decision was taken after the cabinet meeting on Friday (February 27). This information was given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius in an official statement.
Mauritius said it has taken cognizance of the recent position of the Government of Maldives in which Male has refused to recognize Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago and its territorial integrity. Besides, Maldives has also objected to the agreement between Mauritius and Britain regarding the islands. Mauritius’ statement said the move reflects its commitment to safeguard its national interests and uphold the principles of the UN Charter, international law, and regional peace and stability.
The dispute intensified following an agreement between Mauritius and Britain in May 2025, under which Britain agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius. In return Britain received a long-term lease for the strategically important Diego Garcia military base, which it operates jointly with the US.
Legal and diplomatic pressure continued for years before this agreement was reached. In 2019, the International Court of Justice said in an advisory opinion that Britain’s administration of the territory is illegal. After this, many decisions were also taken regarding maritime boundaries.
Mauritius claims that the Chagos Archipelago was separated from it in 1965, when Britain separated it to form the British Indian Ocean Territory, before independence in 1968. Due to the strategic location of Diego Garcia, the region has become an important military center for the US-UK in the Indian Ocean.
On the other hand, Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu told Parliament this month that he had sent a letter to the UK government objecting to the handing over of Chagos to Mauritius. They claim that the area falls within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Maldives under international law.
This diplomatic confrontation between the two island nations located in the Indian Ocean has now become the new center of regional geopolitics. Experts believe that this dispute may deepen further in international forums in the coming days.
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