In a move that’s been years in the making, the UK is getting ready to sign a major agreement with Mauritius that will see the transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. These islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, have been at the center of a long-standing dispute between the UK and Mauritius.
Now, a deal is finally being reached—one that will allow Mauritius to take back control of the islands. But there’s more to it than just that. While sovereignty is returning to Mauritius, the UK and US are holding onto one very strategic piece: the military base on Diego Garcia. And under this new arrangement, they’ll continue using it for another 99 years.
It’s a moment that mixes politics, military strategy, colonial history, and international law—all in one big global decision.
Why Are the Chagos Islands So Important?
You might be wondering, why are these islands such a big deal? Well, here’s the backstory.
Back in 1965, the UK separated the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius when the country was still a British colony. The UK paid £3 million at the time, but many in Mauritius say that the islands were taken unfairly—basically as part of a deal to allow them to gain independence a few years later in 1968.
Over the years, Mauritius has repeatedly claimed that the separation was illegal. And they’ve been getting international support. The United Nations and even the International Court of Justice have leaned toward Mauritius’ side, saying that the UK should return the islands.
That international pressure has been building. And while earlier UK governments opened up the door for talks, it’s the current Labour government that’s finalizing the deal.
But the islands aren’t just about history—they’re also about security. The Diego Garcia base is a critical location for both the UK and the United States. It’s used for military operations across Asia, the Middle East, and even Africa. Losing it would be a serious blow to both countries’ defense strategies.
Keeping the Base: A Strategic Lease
So here’s where things get interesting. Mauritius will get the islands back, but the base? That stays.
The UK and US have negotiated a 99-year lease that lets them continue operating the military base on Diego Garcia. It’s kind of like renting out the most important part of the islands, while still handing over ownership. There’s even talk that the lease could be extended for another 40 years after that, just to be safe.
And yes, this deal comes with a big financial cost. The exact numbers haven’t been shared yet, but it’s expected to run into the billions. While the UK hasn’t confirmed how much will be paid out, the funds are likely part of the compensation for giving up control of the territory and ensuring the long-term lease of the base.
Security Concerns from the US
Interestingly, not everyone was on board with the plan in the beginning. When Donald Trump was in office, some of his aides wanted to take a closer look at the agreement. Republican leaders, like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, raised concerns about Mauritius’ relationship with China. They believed that giving control to Mauritius might pose a security risk for the US.
But opinions seem to have shifted. Trump eventually signaled support for the agreement, helping to clear one of the last big roadblocks to getting it signed.
The Voices That Matter Most: The Chagossian Community
Now let’s talk about the people who have lived through this whole saga—the Chagossians.
These are the original inhabitants of the islands, many of whom were forced to leave their homes decades ago when the military base was built. For years, they’ve fought for recognition, the right to return, and a say in what happens to their homeland.
On the same day the deal is being signed, six representatives from different Chagossian groups will meet with UK Minister Stephen Doughty. It’s a rare and important opportunity for them to speak directly to the government about their future and the islands they still see as home.
While not many details have been shared about what will be discussed, the UK says it wants to explore new Chagossian-focused projects and start a contact group to keep conversations going.
This could be a key moment for a community that’s often been left out of the decisions made about their land.
What’s the Political Reaction in the UK?
Unsurprisingly, this agreement has stirred up political debate back home in the UK.
Labour, which is currently leading the government, believes that doing this deal is the best way to protect the UK’s national security while also following international law. Defence Secretary John Healey even said that the Diego Garcia base is “essential” to the UK’s defense strategy and its partnership with the US.
But critics, including Reform UK and some Conservatives, argue that giving up territory weakens the UK’s global influence. They worry it sets a bad precedent and makes the country look like it’s backing down.
Still, Labour insists that protecting the base long-term is only possible if Mauritius is brought into the fold—and that the agreement makes sense both strategically and diplomatically.
After the deal is signed, Parliament will be briefed on the details, including the possibility of extending the lease even further beyond the 99-year period.
A Moment That Will Shape the Future
This isn’t just a legal agreement. It’s a moment of reckoning with the past, and a move that could shape international relationships for decades.
For Mauritius, it’s a victory they’ve been waiting on for over half a century.
For the UK and US, it’s about adapting to a new geopolitical reality while holding onto a vital military asset.
And for the Chagossian community, it might be a step closer to justice, recognition, and maybe even a future on the islands they once called home.
The world will be watching closely as this new chapter unfolds.
Final Summary
The UK’s decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is a powerful mix of diplomacy, history, and strategy. By keeping the military base on lease, the UK and US secure a key part of their defense system while addressing a decades-old colonial grievance. As leaders sign the deal and Parliament prepares to discuss its terms, the voices of the Chagossian people are finally being included in the conversation.
This deal could be a turning point—not just for those involved, but as an example of how nations confront their past, handle strategic interests, and move toward more balanced partnerships.
Don’t trade all the time, trade forex only at the confirmed trade setups
Get more confirmed trade signals at premium or supreme – Click here to get more signals, 2200%, 800% growth in Real Live USD trading account of our users – click here to see , or If you want to get FREE Trial signals, You can Join FREE Signals Now!
