The United Kingdom has suspended its plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, citing the necessity of continued US support for the joint military base on Diego Garcia. This agreement, signed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer last year, aimed to hand control of the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius while allowing both the United States and the United Kingdom to maintain their military presence on Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years. However, US President Donald Trump characterized the arrangement as a “big mistake” in February, leading the UK to pause the handover.
A spokesperson for the UK government stated that officials still believe the agreement represents the best path to secure the long-term future of the base but emphasized that they would only proceed with US backing. “Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US,” the spokesperson remarked. “We have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has US support. We are continuing to engage with the US and Mauritius.” This development occurs amid domestic political opposition in the UK from the Conservative Party and the Reform Party.
Mauritius has confirmed that it will hold talks with UK officials on April 22 to discuss the matter further. The Chagos Islands were separated from Mauritius in 1965, three years prior to Mauritian independence, in exchange for £3 million in compensation. The following year, the UK leased Diego Garcia to the US for 50 years, reportedly in return for a $14 million discount on Polaris ballistic missile submarines. The base, which includes a runway, supports naval vessels and long-range bombers.
Additionally, the Maldives has entered the diplomatic dispute, stating in March that it does not recognize the UK-Mauritius deal and welcoming the decision to pause the transfer. Maldivian officials assert historical rights to the archipelago. This suspension highlights the complex geopolitical and historical factors influencing the future of the Chagos Islands, with issues of sovereignty, strategic military interests, and regional claims all playing a role in the ongoing negotiations.
Comments are closed for this story.