Mauritius Suspends Diplomatic Relations with Maldives Over Chagos Dispute

Mauritius has suspended diplomatic relations with the Maldives following a sharp escalation in tensions over the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting on 27 February 2026. Port Louis said it had noted “with concern” delays in the United Kingdom’s legislative process regarding the Diego Garcia Military Base and British-Indian Ocean Territory Bill, which it said will proceed once an agreement between the UK and the United States is finalised. The Mauritian government confirmed it is closely monitoring developments.

Cabinet also cited a shift in Malé’s position. The government of President Mohamed Muizzu has withdrawn a 2022 communication recognising Mauritian sovereignty over Chagos and is now objecting to aspects of the UK–Mauritius agreement, arguing that Maldivian maritime interests were not adequately protected. Mauritius said this reversal undermines its national interests and, in response, decided to immediately suspend all diplomatic ties.

In related developments, an injunction filed by the group “BIOT Citizens,” led by Mr Misley Mandarin, was heard before the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration Court on 26 February 2026. The Court extended a stay on a Removal Order until 13 March 2026 and ordered that no new persons be transported to the Chagos Islands pending further proceedings.

The Chagos Archipelago, administered by the United Kingdom as the British Indian Ocean Territory, remains one of the most contentious sovereignty disputes in the Indian Ocean.

Mauritius’ move marks a rare diplomatic rupture for the Maldives, as instances of another state unilaterally suspending ties with Malé are uncommon in recent decades.