President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has invited UK Prime Minister Andrew Burnham to hold official discussions on matters concerning the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago.

The invitation was conveyed in a letter sent to the British Prime Minister.

According to the President’s Office, President Dr. Muizzu raised concerns over the United Kingdom’s decision to proceed with the transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

The President highlighted the historical and cultural connections between the Maldives and the Chagos Archipelago, while also noting the Maldives’ longstanding involvement in marine conservation and scientific research in the region.

President Dr. Muizzu reiterated the Maldives’ willingness to maintain a constructive partnership with the United Kingdom while protecting what the government describes as the legitimate interests and rights of the Maldivian state and its people.

He emphasized the need for meaningful bilateral engagement on issues related to the sovereignty of Chagos.

The President also said stronger cooperation between the Maldives and the United Kingdom could contribute to stability and security in the Indian Ocean during a period of growing global uncertainty.

The Chagos dispute has become an increasingly significant foreign policy issue for the Maldives.

The UK and Mauritius reached an agreement in May 2025 to transfer sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius while preserving the long-term operation of the joint UK-US military facility on Diego Garcia.

The current Maldivian administration has adopted a different position from the previous government, arguing that the Maldives has legitimate historical and sovereign interests concerning Chagos.

As part of this policy shift, the government withdrew a 2022 letter sent by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih regarding the Maldives’ position on Mauritius’ claim.

The government has also previously registered objections with the United Kingdom regarding the proposed transfer and has stated that it will continue pursuing legal and diplomatic measures to safeguard Maldivian interests in the Chagos region.