A Historic Agreement
On May 22, 2025, the United Kingdom and Mauritius finalized a landmark agreement transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This resolution addresses a longstanding territorial dispute that has persisted since the islands were excised from Mauritius in 1965. The agreement signifies a significant step in the decolonization process and aims to resolve a contentious chapter in the history of the Indian Ocean region.
Retention of Diego Garcia
Under the terms of the agreement, the UK will retain control over Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos archipelago, for a period of 99 years. This arrangement ensures the continued operation of the strategically important US military base located there. The base has been a pivotal asset for US and UK military operations in the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa. The lease agreement stipulates that the UK will pay Mauritius approximately £101 million ($136 million) annually for the use of the base.
Financial Support and Environmental Cooperation
In addition to the lease payments, the UK has committed to providing Mauritius with a comprehensive financial support package. This includes a £45 million annual economic support package and a £40 million trust fund aimed at assisting the displaced Chagossian community. The agreement also outlines plans for environmental cooperation, focusing on the protection of the Chagos Archipelago’s unique marine ecosystem. Both nations have pledged to collaborate on initiatives to combat illegal fishing, irregular migration, and other environmental challenges in the region.
Chagossian Resettlement and Legal Challenges
The transfer of sovereignty has been met with mixed reactions. While Mauritius has welcomed the agreement as a step toward rectifying historical injustices, Chagossian activists and displaced individuals have expressed concerns. Many Chagossians were forcibly removed from the islands in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for the US military base. The agreement does not mandate their resettlement but allows for potential return to parts of the archipelago, excluding Diego Garcia. Legal challenges have been raised, and activists are considering further action to ensure the rights and interests of the Chagossian community are adequately addressed.
International Reactions
The international community has largely welcomed the agreement. US President Joe Biden praised the deal, emphasizing its importance for regional stability and security. India’s Ministry of External Affairs also expressed support, highlighting the agreement’s alignment with international law and its potential to enhance cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. However, some critics argue that the deal compromises the UK’s territorial integrity and could set a precedent for future territorial disputes.
Conclusion
The transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while retaining control over Diego Garcia, represents a complex balancing act between addressing historical grievances and maintaining strategic interests. The agreement sets a precedent for resolving colonial-era disputes through diplomatic means and underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing such issues. The coming years will be crucial in determining the long-term implications of this agreement for the Chagossian community, the UK, Mauritius, and the broader international community.
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