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British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty

Question for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

UIN HL3300, tabled on 9 December 2024

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the validity of the Maldives’ claim to sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.

Answered on

6 January 2025

The negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory/Chagos Islands were between the UK and Mauritius, following a long-standing dispute. They were bilateral negotiations between the two countries: no other states were involved. The Maldives are a valued partner and we are in regular contact with them about a range of issues.