UK gives back Indian Ocean region to previous colony
(MENAFN) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signed a historic agreement transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while allowing the UK and US to retain joint control of the Diego Garcia military base for an initial term of 99 years.
The Chagos archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean about 310 miles south of the Maldives, was detached from Mauritius in 1965, just before Mauritius gained independence in 1968. Since then, Mauritius has pushed for the return of the islands. In 1966, the UK leased Diego Garcia—the largest island in the archipelago—to the United States, resulting in the displacement of around 2,000 residents.
Starmer stressed the strategic importance of Diego Garcia, calling it essential for UK defense operations, including missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Red Sea, and the Indo-Pacific. He noted that the agreement includes strong safeguards to counter any hostile influence. He also mentioned that US President Donald Trump supports the deal, acknowledging the base’s key geopolitical role.
Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam praised the agreement as a major step toward completing the country’s decolonization process.
However, the deal has drawn criticism, particularly from the UK Conservative Party. Foreign affairs spokeswoman Priti Patel condemned the agreement as expensive and a potential threat to Britain’s strategic interests, accusing Labour of compromising national security. She dubbed the arrangement “Labour’s Chagos Surrender Deal,” claiming it negatively impacts defense, taxpayers, and Chagossians of British heritage.
Reuters reported the deal’s estimated value at $3.9 billion (£3 billion) over the 99-year term. The agreement maintains a 24-mile no-construction buffer zone around Diego Garcia, enforceable without British approval. There is also a clause allowing a possible 40-year extension, contingent on mutual consent.
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