President Mohamed Muizzu has strongly condemned Mauritius’ decision to cut diplomatic ties with the Maldives, describing the move as politically immature and lacking sound judgment, while reiterating Malé’s unwavering stance on the Chagos Archipelago dispute.
Speaking at a press briefing, the President said Mauritius’ unilateral action does not alter what he characterised as the fundamental reality surrounding the contested territory. According to him, the severance of diplomatic relations cannot redefine sovereign entitlement or shift historical facts.
President Muizzu argued that cutting ties does little to advance Mauritius’ claim. He maintained that the question of sovereignty cannot be influenced by diplomatic disengagement and insisted that the Maldives’ position remains firmly rooted in principle.
He went further, stating that if the Chagos Archipelago were ever to be transferred to another nation, it must be returned to what he called its rightful owner — the Maldives.
The President emphasised that Mauritius’ decision, taken without prior consultation, runs counter to diplomatic norms and does not strengthen its standing on the issue.
Reaffirming his administration’s foreign policy approach, President Muizzu said the Government will continue to be guided by its “Maldives First Policy,” placing national sovereignty and long-term interests above political considerations.
He signalled that despite the diplomatic breakdown, Malé intends to continue pursuing its position through established diplomatic and policy channels.
The dispute over the Chagos Archipelago has long carried strategic and geopolitical weight in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius has historically asserted sovereignty over the islands, while the Maldives has increasingly voiced its own position based on historical ties and regional proximity.
The issue has attracted international attention in recent years, with competing legal interpretations and strategic interests adding complexity to the debate.
President Muizzu’s remarks indicate that the Maldives is unlikely to soften its stance, even in the face of strained bilateral relations, reinforcing a foreign policy approach centred on sovereignty and national interest.
