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Areal capture on chagos islands -Photo: Science Photo Library

MALÉ: The United Kingdom has formally rejected requests from the Maldives to participate in direct discussions on the Chagos Archipelago, asserting that the sovereignty issue does not involve the Maldivian state.

The response comes after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu sent a formal letter to the British Prime Minister inviting him to Malé to discuss historical and geographical claims to the islands, including Peros Banhos (Foalhavahi). In the letter, President Muizzu reiterated deep disappointment that the Maldives was bypassed during negotiations to transfer the territory to Mauritius.

In a public statement issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a British spokesperson confirmed that London considers the sovereignty of Chagos to be exclusively a bilateral matter between the UK and Mauritius. The FCDO noted this legal stance as the exact reason past British administrations conducted negotiations solely with Mauritius without consulting Maldivian authorities.

The British government added that while it regularly engages with the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on broader bilateral issues, the status of Chagos remains outside those bilateral talks.

The UK previously took the same official position in February when President Muizzu sent an earlier letter arguing that the Maldives holds the strongest rightful claim to the archipelago.

• Key Historical Claims: Maldivian records cite historical ownership and proximity to Peros Banhos (Foalhavahi).

• Diego Garcia Facility: Operation of the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia continues under a 99 year lease agreement with Mauritius.

• Domestic Campaign Pledge: Reclaiming lost maritime boundary areas formed a major foreign policy promise of President Muizzu’s presidential campaign.