UK and Mauritius Make ‘Good Progress’ on Chagos Islands Deal, Key Payments Under Discussion

The UK and Mauritius have announced that they have made “good progress” in negotiations aimed at finalizing a deal over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. The discussions focus on resolving a longstanding dispute over the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), which includes the strategically significant Diego Garcia military base leased to the United States.
As part of the deal, the UK is reportedly considering frontloading payments to Mauritius to help sweeten the agreement. The terms would involve the UK relinquishing its sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, while retaining control over Diego Garcia for military purposes. The lease of the base to the U.S. would remain intact, ensuring continued access to this critical site.
The talks have faced challenges, particularly following the election of a new prime minister in Mauritius in 2024. Skepticism from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inner circle also complicated the deal, raising concerns about the long-term future of the U.S. military presence on Diego Garcia.
The Chagos Islands dispute dates back to the 1960s, when the UK removed the native population to make way for the military base. Mauritius, which gained independence from Britain in 1968, has long sought the return of the islands. In 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled that the UK should return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a decision that has not yet been fully implemented.
While the specifics of the new deal remain in negotiation, both the UK and Mauritius are optimistic that an agreement could be reached soon, paving the way for a resolution to this complex territorial dispute.