Chagos dispute: Nasheed believes Maldives acting as directed by US

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has suggested that the Maldives recent actions with respect to the maritime boundary dispute and Chagos Islands have been orchestrated by the United States and the United Kingdom.

In May 2025, the UK officially agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, ending a long-standing dispute. However, Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, would remain under lease to the United States where a military base has been established.

US President Donald Trump had earlier criticized the deal, calling it a threat to national security and dismissing the transfer of the Chagos Islands as nonsensical. However, on Thursday, he appeared to soften his stance, describing the British agreement as the most viable option available.

The UK government confirmed that it will work closely with the United States to implement the agreement.

Nasheed, via post on X referring to Trump’s remarks, alleged that Trump’s concurrence does not necessarily mean he actually agrees with ceding the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

Raees Trump UK-Chagos agreement ah ehbasve vadaigathee Chagos Mauritus ah dhinumah noon kamah vun ekasheegenvey. Dhivehi Raajjeyge dhauva balan jehey kamah America adhi Ingireysinnah mihaaru buneveyne. Veemaa Chagos Mauritus ah dheven neiy kamahves buneveyne. Raajjeyge Coast…

— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) February 6, 2026

“The US and UK can now state Maldives’ claim should be investigated. Thus, they can say Chagos cannot be handed over to Mauritius,” he added.

In his post, Nasheed further suggested that recent operations by the Maldivian Coast Guard could have been conducted with the tacit approval of the two countries.

Nasheed’s remarks come amid the continued presence and activities of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) within maritime territory previously awarded to Mauritius by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). The tribunal’s ruling followed an international court decision recognizing Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, prompting the island nation to seek formal demarcation of its maritime boundary with the Maldives.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who took office on the pledge to reclaim the disputed maritime territory, addressed the People’s Majlis yesterday. He asserted that the Maldivian government does not recognize any changes to the territories defined in the Constitution and national laws. He also announced plans to propose legislative amendments formally designating the 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as sovereign Maldivian territory.

Following the President’s address, the Ministry of Defense reaffirmed that monitoring and protecting these waters is a statutory responsibility of the MNDF. The Ministry stated that the forces will continue to patrol the area with diligence and within their operational capabilities. It also reported that two Sri Lankan fishing vessels were intercepted yesterday within the disputed maritime zone.

President Muizzu described the loss of the maritime territory as a concession made by the previous administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He announced his intention to withdraw the letter sent by former President Solih to the Prime Minister of Mauritius and the formation of a Presidential Commission to investigate the matter.

Nasheed has consistently opposed the transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.