On Thursday, October 3, the UK announced the transfer of sovereignty of the remote but strategically important Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, ending decades of intense negotiations between the two countries. At the same time, the UK will retain control of the important British-American military base located on the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia.
According to the BBC, as geopolitical competition in the region intensifies among Western countries, India, and China, this agreement was crucial in moving the deal forward.
The agreement is still pending final treaty approval, but both sides have pledged to expedite the process. In a joint statement, the UK and Mauritius expressed that the political agreement had the support and assistance of the United States and India.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth stated in the declaration, “This is a significant moment in our relationship, reflecting our enduring commitment to resolving disputes peacefully and upholding the rule of law.”
The leaders also committed to ensuring the “safe and effective long-term operation of the existing base on Diego Garcia, which plays a crucial role in regional and global security.”
The treaty will also “address past wrongs and demonstrate the commitment of both parties to the welfare of the Chagossian people.” Mauritius will be able to initiate a resettlement program in the Chagos Islands but not on Diego Garcia.
Under the agreement, the UK will provide Mauritius with a comprehensive financial support package, including annual payments and infrastructure investments.
The UK will ensure an “initial operating period” of 99 years for the military base.
Since 1814, the UK has controlled the region and separated the Chagos Islands from Mauritius in 1965, establishing the British Indian Ocean Territory, while Mauritius gained independence three years later in 1968. However, the Mauritius government has long argued that it was forced to give up the Chagos Islands in exchange for independence from the UK, sparking a legal battle.
At that time, the UK government had reached a secret agreement with the US to lease the largest atoll, Diego Garcia, as a military base.
US President Biden welcomed the “historic agreement,” stating that it “clearly demonstrates that through diplomacy and partnerships, countries can overcome long-standing historical challenges to achieve peaceful and mutually beneficial outcomes.”
“Diego Garcia is home to a joint US-UK military facility critical for national, regional, and global security,” he noted in a statement, ensuring the effective operation of the airbase into the next century.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed concerns that the sovereignty dispute over the Chagos Islands and ongoing legal challenges posed a threat to the long-term future of Diego Garcia.
Lammy emphasized in the statement, “Today’s agreement secures the future of this important military base and strengthens our role in upholding global security.”
The statement also mentioned that both countries would collaborate on issues such as environmental protection, maritime security, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.