Former President Mohamed Nasheed has remarked that Mauritius is still willing to communicate with the Maldives, even after the recent halt in diplomatic ties between the nations.

Addressing the press on Saturday after arriving in Malé from the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue in New Delhi, India, Nasheed stated he had urged Mauritian officials to continue talks focused on settling the current dispute.

"I have firmly encouraged the Minister to communicate with the Maldives to seek a peaceful solution to this issue." It is undoubtedly not optimal to be without diplomatic ties to neighboring countries. "They continue to be ready for conversations," Nasheed stated.

He also conveyed optimism that the Maldivian government would seize this chance to advance diplomatic dialogue and discussions with Mauritius.

Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Mauritius were cut off in February due to conflicts regarding the Chagos Archipelago issue.

The suspension followed comments made by President Mohamed Muizzu in his Presidential Address at the start of the current parliamentary term earlier this year, where he declared the retraction of a letter from former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to the Prime Minister of Mauritius dated 22 August 2022, which recognized Mauritius’ sovereignty over Chagos.

The present government contends that this letter diminished the Maldives’ legal standing and led to a result that negatively impacted the nation’s maritime rights in the region.

The conflict has become increasingly international, with Mauritius' late-February move to halt diplomatic ties with the Maldives still active, and no indications of reconciliation so far.

In April 2026, the Maldives openly expressed support for the United Kingdom's decision to suspend the anticipated transfer of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, presenting the postponement as a chance to reinitiate discussions that acknowledge the Maldives's asserted historical connections and maritime entitlements in the region.

The Maldives and Mauritius first set up diplomatic ties on 15 January 1981.