Addressing the Mauritius issue at today’s press briefing, Mohamed Muizzu strongly criticized Port Louis’ decision to sever diplomatic relations with the Maldives, describing the move as illogical, politically immature and naive.
The President made clear that the unilateral action does not change what he called the “underlying reality” surrounding the Chagos Archipelago. Diplomatic disengagement, he stressed, cannot redefine sovereign entitlement nor reshape historical and legal facts.
“If the Chagos Archipelago is to be handed over to any country, it must be returned to its rightful owner, the Maldives,” President Muizzu stated. He emphasized that cutting diplomatic ties does not strengthen Mauritius’ claim or create rights where none exist.
He further noted that the decision was taken without prior consultation and said such conduct runs contrary to established diplomatic norms. According to the President, the Maldives’ position remains firm and unchanged, guided consistently by the government’s “Maldives First Policy.”
The dispute over the Chagos Archipelago carries significant geopolitical importance in the Indian Ocean, drawing sustained international attention due to competing claims and strategic considerations. While Mauritius has historically asserted sovereignty over the islands, the Maldives has increasingly articulated its own position based on historical and regional grounds.
President Muizzu’s remarks signal that Malé will continue to pursue its claim through diplomatic and policy channels despite the breakdown in bilateral ties, maintaining a foreign policy approach firmly anchored in national interest and the defense of Maldivian sovereignty.
