British Indian Ocean Territory of Chagos to be handed over to Mauritius
Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth issued a joint statement with Keir Starmer outlining the details of the new understanding ahead of a final treaty
The British Indian Ocean Territory of Chagos Islands will be handed over to Mauritius as part of a new understanding reached after two years of negotiations. The UK and the United States will retain use of the military base in Diego García Island, ensuring global security.
This agreement will strengthen relationships with Mauritius, prevent illegal migration via the Indian Ocean, and safeguard the military base’s future. The deal includes the UK maintaining sovereignty over Diego Garcia for 99 years, paying rent to Mauritius, and creating a resettlement fund for displaced Chagossians.
The joint statement by UK’s Keir Starmer and Mauritius’ Pravind Kumar Jugnauth marks a significant step towards signing a final treaty, securing the base’s operation, and establishing legal certainty over the territory’s status for the first time in over 50 years.