In a groundbreaking decision, the United Kingdom has reached an agreement with Mauritius to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, resolving a decades-long territorial dispute. The deal, announced on May 22, 2025, comes with a strategic understanding and ensures continued access to Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, which houses a key US-UK military base.
The UK-Mauritius Deal: Key Details
The agreement includes a leaseback arrangement for the critical military base on Diego Garcia, ensuring its continued operation under US control. Mauritius will receive approximately £101 million (USD 136 million) annually as part of the deal, with the lease set to last for 99 years. This agreement ensures that the base remains a key strategic asset for both the UK and the US, offering uninterrupted military operations in the Indian Ocean region.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the significance of the Diego Garcia base, stating that it is crucial to national security and plays an essential role in counterterrorism and intelligence gathering. “This base is central to our safety and security,” Starmer said, adding that the deal will secure protections and operational capacity for future generations.
However, the deal has not been without criticism. Opposition parties have raised concerns over the substantial financial burden it places on UK taxpayers, with critics arguing that the government is compromising national interests. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch referred to the move as a “Labour chaos” and accused Starmer’s administration of “giving away British territory.”
India’s Support for the Agreement
India has expressed strong support for the UK-Mauritius agreement, framing it as a step toward the resolution of the Chagos Islands dispute and the completion of Mauritius’ decolonization process. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the deal aligns with India’s commitment to international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. India has long supported Mauritius’ claim over the Chagos Archipelago and emphasized the importance of regional stability.
According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, India remains a steadfast partner of Mauritius and is dedicated to promoting peace, maritime security, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region. India’s backing is significant, given the ongoing strategic interests of both nations in the region.
Strategic Significance of Chagos Islands
The Chagos Islands, located in the central Indian Ocean south of the Maldives, have been under British control since 1814. The archipelago is most notable for Diego Garcia, which has served as a critical military hub for US operations since the 1960s. It has played a pivotal role in various military operations, from the Vietnam War to the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. In addition, the US admitted in 2008 that the base had been used for covert operations, including rendition flights involving terror suspects.
In 1965, the UK separated the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, three years before granting Mauritius independence, creating the British Indian Ocean Territory. Diego Garcia currently hosts around 2,500 personnel, primarily American, and serves as a strategic outpost for US military and security operations across the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa.
The Future of Chagos Islands: A New Chapter
The UK-Mauritius deal marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing dispute over the Chagos Islands. While the transfer of sovereignty is a victory for Mauritius, it also ensures that Diego Garcia will remain a crucial military asset for the UK and the US, ensuring stability and strategic security in the Indian Ocean region. The deal’s implications for global geopolitics and the future of the Chagos Islands will continue to unfold in the coming years.