Despite the United Kingdom’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has asserted that these islands are historically and geographically an integral part of the Maldives. In an interview with a British news outlet, the President highlighted that the historical connection between the Maldives and Chagos is far more profound than that of Mauritius. Key evidence supporting this claim includes the closer geographical proximity of the Maldives to Chagos, the presence of 900-year-old Maldivian gravestones discovered on the islands, and official records dating back to the 16th century. Furthermore, the President noted that the DNA of the original inhabitants of Chagos reveals traces of Maldivian ancestry.
The Government of Maldives has now officially formally communicated its concerns and claims regarding this matter to the British government. President Muizzu pointed out that while the current agreement between the UK and Mauritius may impose an economic burden on the UK, adopting the Maldives’ proposal would offer a more cost-effective alternative. The President reiterated that this issue does not diminish the close diplomatic ties between the Maldives and the United Kingdom, emphasizing the strong relationship shared in tourism and other sectors. He further stated that this endeavor is not merely political, but a national effort to reclaim historical heritage and seek justice for the Maldives.
