Archive · 23 May 2025
U.K. Transfers Chagos Islands Sovereignty to Mauritius
The U.K. is giving the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius after many years.
The U.K. will pay Mauritius money each year to keep using a military base on the largest island, Diego Garcia.
India is happy about this because they support Mauritius and think it's good for the area.
Some people in the U.K. are worried about the cost and whether Mauritius's relationship with China could cause problems.
The U.K. agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The U.K. will pay Mauritius about £101 million (USD 136 million) annually to lease back the Diego Garcia military base.
The lease for the military base is expected to last at least 99 years.
India supports the agreement, viewing it as a positive step.
Critics in the U.K. have voiced concerns about costs and the implications of Mauritius's relationship with China.
- Who
- U.K., Mauritius, India
- What
- The U.K. signed an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
- When
- Thursday (agreement signed)
- Where
- Chagos Islands
- Why
- To resolve the Chagos dispute, and ensure the operation of the U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia.
Not Applicable
Conservative View
Territorial Control and Financial Costs
Not Applicable
Not explicitly stated in article
Conservative View
The deal gives away British territory and places a financial burden on the public.
- Location
- Chagos Islands
- Recipient of Sovereignty
- Mauritius
- Paying Body
- U.K.
- Annual Lease Payment
- £101 million (USD 136 million)
- Military Base
- Diego Garcia
- Key Supporter
- India
Sources
UK court puts last-minute block on a deal to hand Chagos islands to Mauritius
UK court temporarily bars British govt from completing Chagos Islands deal
United Kingdom set to sign deal ceding sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius
UK court orders last-minute review of Chagos Islands deal
Why UK just handed over an island to Mauritius
UK hands over Chagos Islands to Mauritius, to lease Diego Garcia for 99 years
U.K. signs deal to hand sovereignty of the disputed Chagos Islands to Mauritius
India welcomes U.K.'s decision to hand over sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius
India welcomes UK-Mauritius treaty on Chagos, reaffirms support for sovereignty
India welcomes Chagos treaty
