Archive · 30 May 2025
UK Transfers Chagos Islands to Mauritius, Secures Diego Garcia Base
The UK has given the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius after about 50 years, but the US will still use a military base there.
The UK bought the islands a long time ago, but Mauritius always said they should have them back.
After a long debate, the UK agreed to give the islands back, but they will lease part of it, especially Diego Garcia, for its military base for a long time.
Mauritius will get paid for this.
Some people are unhappy with the deal, while others support it.
It's all about the UK keeping a military base in a strategic location and respecting Mauritius's claim to the islands.
The UK handed over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The US will continue to lease the Diego Garcia military base.
Mauritius will lease Diego Garcia to the UK for 99 years.
The deal resolves legal challenges over the islands' sovereignty.
India played a supportive role in the negotiations.
- Who
- The UK and Mauritius, with the involvement of the US and India.
- What
- The UK officially handed over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while maintaining a lease for the Diego Garcia military base.
- When
- The UK officially handed over sovereignty on May 22, 2025, finalizing a deal agreed to in October 2024.
- Where
- The Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean.
- Why
- The UK handed over the islands to Mauritius due to legal challenges, international pressure, and the desire to maintain its military base on Diego Garcia.
Proponents
Opponents
Sovereignty of Military Base
Proponents
The UK has finalized a deal to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Opponents
The Conservative party opposes the deal because they have concerns about handing over the sovereignty of a military base to Mauritius.
- Sovereignty Transfer Date
- May 22, 2025
- Deal Agreement
- October 2024
- Diego Garcia Lease Duration
- 99 years
- Lease Cost
- £101 million per year (on average)
- Main Military Base
- Diego Garcia
- Base Operational Costs
- United States