PORT LOUIS – The United Kingdom has officially transferred sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after years of diplomatic negotiations.
An agreement between the two parties ensures that the UK retains full operational control over the Diego Garcia military base for the next 99 years, a move Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as “absolutely vital for our defense and intelligence.”
Mauritius, an African nation with a population of about 1.3 million, has long contested Britain’s claim to the islands, citing historical injustices and legal rulings in its favor.
Speaking at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, in May, Starmer emphasized the strategic importance of Diego Garcia, citing its role in counterterrorism operations, intelligence gathering and military deployments across the Middle East, East Africa and South Asia.
“This base is right at the foundation of our security and safety at home,” he said, highlighting its contributions to disrupting threats and supporting UK forces abroad.
The treaty faced a last-minute legal challenge from Chagossian activists, who argued that the agreement failed to guarantee their right to return.
While an initial injunction temporarily halted the signing, it was overturned, allowing the deal to proceed.
The UK government has committed to a financial package to support Chagossians and facilitate resettlement efforts, though Diego Garcia itself remains restricted.
Defense Secretary John Healey reinforced the necessity of the agreement, stating that “as the world becomes more dangerous, our military base on Diego Garcia becomes more important.”
The treaty secures the UK’s ability to maintain its defense partnership with the United States, ensuring continued military cooperation and intelligence-sharing.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the treaty “secures the Diego Garcia military base for generations to come, protecting national and global security.”
The agreement has received backing from key allies, including the U.S., Australia, Canada and India, who recognize its significance for regional stability.
While critics argue that the handover represents a concession of British territory, UK officials maintain that the agreement safeguards national security while addressing longstanding legal disputes.
The treaty marks a key moment in Britain’s colonial legacy and strategic partnerships in the Indian Ocean.
Mauritius is an island country in the Indian Ocean, about 1,200 miles off the southeastern coast of East Africa, east of Madagascar.
It consists of the main island of Mauritius, along with Rodrigues, Agaléga, and the Cargados Carajos Shoals (St. Brandon).
