UK, Mauritius Reach Deal on Chagos Islands, Amid US Concerns
By [Your Name], International Editor, nouvelles-du-monde.com
Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago, will remain a UK/US military base under a new agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius, despite a recent flurry of criticism from Washington. The deal, signed in May 2025, recognizes Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, a British Overseas Territory, while securing a 99-year lease for the UK to continue operating the strategically important base on Diego Garcia.
The agreement has sparked debate, with some questioning whether ceding sovereignty to Mauritius could compromise the base’s security. Concerns center around potential restrictions on nuclear weapons, the possibility of Chinese influence, and the need for inspections. However, the terms of the agreement, as outlined by the UK government, aim to address these concerns.
The UK maintains the deal will allow the Diego Garcia base to maintain its important strategic role. The agreement grants the UK and the US unrestricted rights to patrol the archipelago, provides a UK veto over foreign military presence and development, and permits the presence of nuclear weapons without mandatory inspections.
The path to this agreement has been far from smooth. In January 2026, former US President Donald Trump publicly labeled the deal “an act of great stupidity,” casting doubt on the White House’s support. While he later appeared to soften his stance, Trump continued to express reservations, even taking to social media to warn against losing control of Diego Garcia. The UK government briefly paused its ratification process in response to the shifting signals from Washington, but resumed consideration following renewed endorsements from the State Department.
The core of the dispute lies in the UK’s historical claim to the Chagos Islands, a claim increasingly challenged internationally. Virtually every national government now views the UK’s claim as outdated in the context of modern decolonization practices. A 2019 United Nations vote saw widespread opposition to the UK’s claim, with only three countries – all then led by allies of President Trump – voting in support.
The agreement directly addresses security concerns. It stipulates that any presence of foreign security forces within the Chagos Archipelago requires authorization from both the UK and Mauritius. The UK retains the authority to prevent unauthorized activities and, if necessary, to use proportionate force to remove foreign forces or ships engaged in spying. Mauritius has also agreed not to authorize the placement of maritime installations or artificial islands without UK consent.
Critics have suggested Mauritius might allow Chinese development or military presence. However, the agreement includes safeguards restricting Mauritius’ freedom of action, requiring UK consent for any structures or buildings on the islands.
The agreement also addresses the sensitive issue of nuclear weapons. While Mauritius has a treaty prohibiting the “stationing” of nuclear weapons on its territory, the UK argues this does not preclude the temporary presence of such weapons, consistent with long-standing policy of neither confirming nor denying their presence.
Ultimately, the security of the Diego Garcia base relies heavily on US military power. However, the UK argues that the agreement provides a crucial layer of legitimacy for the US presence, both in the eyes of allies and potential adversaries.
The agreement includes a financial component, with the UK committing to pay Mauritius approximately £3.4 billion (in 2025/26 prices) over the 99-year lease period.
Disputes over the interpretation or application of the agreement will be resolved through a joint commission and, if necessary, negotiations at a high level between the two countries. The agreement outlines specific circumstances under which Mauritius could terminate the agreement, including failure by the UK to make agreed-upon payments or an armed attack on Mauritian territory.
