The UK will hand control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining joint access to a key US-UK military base. As part of the UK Chagos deal with Mauritius, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to sign the agreement on Thursday during a virtual ceremony. Mauritian officials will join the session to finalise the long-anticipated handover.
Mauritius will gain sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. In return, the US and UK will continue to operate a military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years. The agreement includes a multi-billion-pound payment to Mauritius.
Initially, the deal faced delays due to leadership changes in both Mauritius and the United States. The transition of power brought fresh scrutiny from Donald Trump’s team, who raised security concerns.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of risks linked to Mauritius’ relations with China. He called the transfer a potential threat to US national interests. However, Trump later indicated support for the deal.
Negotiations date back to late 2022, when the previous UK government opened talks. The current Labour administration chose to conclude the agreement, citing strategic benefits.
Foreign Office officials stated the deal will protect the joint base, vital for national security. Defence Secretary John Healey recently told MPs that the base is essential for the UK’s defence partnership with the US.
Britain separated the Chagos Islands from Mauritius in 1965. It paid £3 million to acquire the archipelago. Mauritius has since claimed it was coerced into giving up the islands in exchange for independence in 1968.
International pressure mounted in recent years. UN bodies have supported Mauritius’ sovereignty claims, intensifying calls for UK withdrawal.
The Chagossian community, long excluded from decisions, will meet with Minister Stephen Doughty on Thursday. Six delegates from three organisations will discuss sovereignty and future support.
The UK will lease back Diego Garcia under the new terms. Reports suggest the 99-year lease may include a 40-year extension option.
Labour defends the move, claiming it ensures the long-term presence of the vital base. Critics, including Reform UK, argue the decision undermines British territorial claims.
The UK Chagos deal with Mauritius represents a major diplomatic shift. It balances sovereignty handover with long-term security interests.
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