Nasheed's understanding is that Maldives will listen to UK-USA in Chagos case

Former President Mohamed Nasheed stated that President of the United States of America (USA) Donald Trump's words in support of the agreement, where Chagos will go under the sovereignty of Mauritius after the United Kingdom (UK) had let it go, may have a different meaning behind them.

After speaking to Prime Minister of the UK Keir Starmer, Trump took to his social media platform Truth today, stating USA's military power over Diego Garcia (Foalhavahi) via the deal where Chagos is to be handed over to Mauritius will become stronger and that further assurance has been given.

Trump's statement comes after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had signed a letter addressed to the Prime Minister of Mauritius formally withdrawing a letter sent by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih regarding the Chagos maritime boundary dispute, with President Muizzu having formally requesting a sit-down with the UK government yesterday in order to hold a discussion.

Even though the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) had decided to demarcate the maritime boundary lines between Maldives and Mauritius, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made the decision yesterday to view the 200 nautical mile zone as part of Maldivian waters.

In connection with that, former President Nasheed posted on X today, stating that Maldives might have made such a strong decision with the approval of the USA and the UK.

Nasheed also said that it is clear Trump came out in support of the Chagos agreement so that Chagos may not be handed over to Mauritius.

"The USA and UK can now say that Maldives' charges are to be investigated. It can also be said that Chagos cannot be handed over to Mauritius," said Nasheed.

With President Muizzu's decision, the Defence Ministry stated yesterday that they will maintain the 200 nautical miles as a part of Maldivian waters, prior to ITLOS' ruling.

Afterwards, two Sri Lankan fishing vessels that had been sailing through the region had been stopped by the Maldivian military last night. 

While speaking on the matter, Nasheed said that the Maldivian Coast Guard may have acted as per the wishes of the USA and UK.