Britain has signed a deal with Mauritius to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, securing the future of a key US-UK air base. The agreement, worth billions of pounds, will allow Britain to retain control of Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease.
The deal was delayed by a last-minute High Court injunction, but a judge later lifted it, clearing the way for the agreement. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the deal is essential for securing the base’s operations well into the next century.
Mauritius welcomed the agreement, calling it a long time coming and saying it marks the end of decolonization efforts. The US also supports the deal, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying it secures the joint military facility at Diego Garcia.
The agreement has been criticized by opposition parties in Britain, who argue that it is too costly and could benefit China’s influence in the Indian Ocean. However, the government says it is necessary for national security and defense interests.
Under the deal, Britain will pay Mauritius 3 billion pounds over the 99-year term, with an option for a 50-year extension. The base has played a crucial role in recent military operations, including bombing strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen and attacks on Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan.
The agreement ends months of wrangling over the deal’s details, which were first announced in October after a change in Mauritian leadership. Trump’s backing for the deal was welcomed by Ramgoolam, who said it marks the total recognition of Mauritius’ sovereignty on the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-set-sign-deal-ceding-sovereignty-chagos-islands-mauritius-2025-05-22