UK, Mauritius finalize Chagos Islands sovereignty deal amid US scrutiny

The UK government is facing criticism over a contentious deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining control of the Diego Garcia military base under a 99-year lease. Opposition leaders, including Labour's Keir Starmer, emphasize the deal's importance for national security and the base's operational continuity. However, some Downing Street officials express concerns that the agreement could jeopardize relations with the Trump administration, especially after Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised security threats posed by the deal amid rising Chinese influence. Newly elected Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam is calling for a re-evaluation of the arrangement and has indicated his intent to renegotiate terms initially settled by the previous government. The deal remains unratified, facing backlash from Chagossians who were excluded from discussions and are planning protests. The UK hopes to finalize the agreement soon, with key diplomatic talks anticipated in the coming weeks.