UK Finalizes Chagos Islands Sovereignty Deal with Mauritius, Leases Diego Garcia Base

The United Kingdom is set to sign a controversial agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base for 99 years. The deal, backed by both UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and former U.S. President Donald Trump, involves the UK paying Mauritius an estimated £90 million annually, although the government has not officially disclosed the cost. The agreement ends Britain's direct control over the islands, which have been uninhabited since the forced displacement of the Chagossian people in the 1960s and 1970s to establish the military base. Despite international legal pressure supporting Mauritius' claim, the deal faces criticism from British lawmakers and members of the displaced Chagossian community, who feel betrayed due to lack of consultation. Critics also warn that the handover could benefit China, which has expanding influence in the Indian Ocean region. The UK government argues the agreement is necessary to comply with international legal rulings and to secure the future of the military base vital for regional security.