Maldives Claims Chagos Islands, Challenging Mauritius Amid Strategic Maneuvers

Malé/New Delhi: In a surprising geopolitical move, the Maldives has laid claim to the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, challenging Mauritius’ sovereignty over the disputed territory. This development comes as President Mohammed Muizzu reverses previous policies and asserts Maldives’ rights over overlapping maritime zones within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Background: A Disputed Strategic Territory

The Chagos archipelago, including the strategically significant Diego Garcia, was separated from Mauritius by the UK in 1965. The largest island hosts a joint US-UK military base. Mauritius has maintained sovereignty over the islands, supported by the 2016 ruling of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

In 1992, the Maldives and the UK held discussions to divide the EEZ, but no formal agreement was reached. Mauritius and Maldives later submitted initial claims to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) in 2009 and 2010, each asserting rights over 200 nautical miles.

Maldives’ Recent Action

Earlier this month, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) launched operations in the disputed area, including the interception of two vessels involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. President Muizzu’s assertive stance has complicated an already sensitive dispute, despite the Maldives’ historical and cultural ties with the Chagos Islands.

This assertion comes as the UK and Mauritius prepare to formalize a settlement, under which the UK retains Diego Garcia as a US military base for 99 years while paying Mauritius $138 million annually. Maldives has rejected this arrangement, claiming stronger historical rights over Chagos.

Strategic and Political Motivations

According to ORF Online, Muizzu’s move is influenced by domestic politics ahead of local elections, where nationalism plays a key role. Additionally, former US President Donald Trump’s comments calling the UK’s planned handover of Chagos “foolish” appear to have motivated Muizzu to seek a deal with Washington—though the US has so far shown little interest. The UK has also reaffirmed its support for Mauritius’ sovereignty.

Implications for India

India, which has consistently opposed foreign military bases in the Indian Ocean, has historically supported Mauritius in the Chagos issue. While India acknowledges the US military presence on Diego Garcia as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence, Maldives’ claim could disrupt regional strategic calculations. Analysts note that Muizzu’s actions raise questions about the possibility of foreign military bases operating from Maldives’ territory, potentially complicating India’s strategic calculus in the region.