By The debate over the Chagos Archipelago continues to ignite controversy, drawing attention from international legal bodies, the UK, Mauritius, and the Chagossian people. Yet, one critical stakeholder often overlooked in this discourse is the Maldives, whose territorial claims and regional interests are deeply intertwined with the future of this contested territory.
Recently, British political figures have voiced strong support for the Chagossians’ right to self-determination, arguing that the UK should retain sovereignty and allow Chagossians to return to their homeland. This perspective, however, fails to acknowledge the 2019 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which determined that the UK’s continued control over the Chagos Islands was unlawful and that sovereignty rightfully belongs to Mauritius. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) reinforced this ruling, calling for the UK’s withdrawal from the islands.
The Maldives’ Position on Chagos
While the UK and Mauritius remain locked in negotiations, the Maldives has taken a pragmatic stance, one that recognizes Chagos as part of Mauritius while simultaneously asserting its own maritime boundary rights. The Maldives has long maintained exclusive economic zone (EEZ) claims in the region, particularly over waters overlapping with Chagos. This dispute is not merely a geopolitical issue; it is a matter of economic and environmental sovereignty, impacting the Maldives’ rights to natural resources, fisheries, and ocean conservation efforts.
Initially, the Maldives abstained from backing Mauritius’ claim, but in 2023, the government shifted its position in accordance with international law. While recognizing Mauritius’ sovereignty, the Maldives continues to press for fair maritime boundary delineations to safeguard its own national interests.
Strategic and Security Implications
Beyond the legal and economic factors, the presence of Diego Garcia, a key US and UK military base within the Chagos Archipelago, adds another layer of complexity. The Maldives, a peaceful and strategic hub in the Indian Ocean, must navigate these power dynamics carefully. Any resolution on Chagos will have far-reaching consequences for regional security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability.
The Path Forward
The Maldives’ engagement in the Chagos dispute is not just about supporting decolonization or aligning with Mauritius—it is about securing sovereign maritime rights and ensuring regional stability. The international community must recognize that the future of Chagos is not solely a UK-Mauritius issue but one that affects neighboring nations like the Maldives. As global discussions continue, it is imperative that Maldivian voices are included in shaping the resolution of this long-standing territorial debate.
