The Maldivian government has decided not to release the letter sent by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to the United Kingdom regarding the transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.

Speaking at the official Republic Day event, President Muizzu stated that he had urged the UK to consider transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to the Maldives, asserting that the islands are deeply tied to Maldivian history. Citing ancient scriptures from Maldivian Sultans, President Muizzu argued that it would be more fitting for the Maldives to hold sovereignty over the Chagos Islands than any other nation.

Mihaaru News filed a Right to Information (RTI) request seeking access to the letter. However, after extending the standard 14-day response period, the President’s Office declined the request, invoking Article 31 of the Right to Information Act. This provision allows state institutions to withhold information if its release could cause irrevocable harm.

The issue of the Chagos Islands has been contentious in Maldivian politics. The previous administration faced criticism for its handling of the matter, particularly regarding a letter sent by then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to Mauritius. While the letter was initially kept confidential, it was leaked during the presidential election, sparking accusations that it influenced the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) ruling. The ruling recognized Mauritius' entitlement to the Chagos Islands and allegedly resulted in the Maldives losing portions of its territorial waters.

The Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia—the closest island to the Maldives—is currently home to a U.S. military base under a long-term lease. The base supports naval ships, bombers, and long-haul aircraft.

After decades of negotiations, sovereignty over the Chagos Islands was ceded to Mauritius following an International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion and a subsequent United Nations General Assembly vote endorsing Mauritius’ claim. In October, the UK and Mauritius issued a joint statement formalizing the decision.