The Maldivian government is preparing to pursue legal action in response to the United Kingdom’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking a significant escalation in a long-running regional dispute.
In comments given to The Telegraph, a spokesperson from the Maldives’ Foreign Ministry confirmed that authorities are actively examining legal pathways to contest the move endorsed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The government believes its territorial and maritime claims over the Chagos archipelago are stronger than those put forward by Mauritius.
Government Reviewing International Legal Options
According to the spokesperson, the Maldives has not yet filed a formal case at the International Court of Justice. However, a detailed legal assessment is currently underway. Discussions are ongoing with international legal experts as well as relevant state institutions in Malé.
The government maintains that the UK’s decision lacks sufficient grounding in established principles of international law. Officials have indicated they will not rule out any diplomatic or legal measures available under global legal frameworks if their concerns are not addressed.
“The Maldivian government remains committed to protecting and promoting the sovereign rights and maritime interests of the Maldivian people in accordance with international laws,” the spokesperson said, speaking anonymously in his official capacity.
Diplomatic Concerns Raised With London
Malé has already formally communicated its objections to the British government. Letters outlining the Maldives’ concerns were sent to London in November 2024 and again in January 2026.
Officials say they have also sought direct discussions with the UK to explore a diplomatic resolution. But what happens if talks fail?
The spokesperson made it clear that further steps remain on the table. If discussions do not produce a satisfactory outcome, the Maldives could escalate the matter through international legal channels.
Former Attorney General Voices Strong Support
The issue has also drawn strong remarks from former Attorney General Aishath Azima Shakoor, who has been vocal in advocating for Maldivian claims over the Chagos Islands.
In her interview with The Telegraph, Azima argued that the archipelago rightfully belongs to the Maldivian people. She insisted that the Maldives holds the strongest legal basis for sovereignty and urged the British government to halt the transfer process.
“The Maldives has the strongest claim that can be made over Chagos,” she said. “We are the ones who possess the legal right over that land.”
Her remarks come amid renewed attention on the region, particularly as native Chagossians continue efforts to resettle on islands within the archipelago that were once home to their ancestors.
Rising Regional Tensions
The dispute has already had diplomatic consequences. Mauritius has suspended diplomatic relations with the Maldives following Malé’s actions regarding the Chagos matter. The Maldivian government has not yet issued a public response to that decision.
At its core, the disagreement touches on complex questions of sovereignty, maritime boundaries, and historical claims in the Indian Ocean. For the Maldives, the issue is framed not only as a territorial matter but also as a question of protecting long-term maritime interests.
With legal reviews ongoing and diplomatic channels still open, the coming months could determine whether the dispute is settled through dialogue or moves toward an international courtroom. Either way, the Chagos question appears far from resolved.
