The UK and Mauritius have reaffirmed their commitment to finalizing a treaty on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, aiming to conclude negotiations “as quickly as possible.”
In a joint statement on Friday, both nations described their discussions as “productive and ongoing,” emphasizing a shared goal of ensuring Mauritius’s sovereignty over the archipelago while maintaining the secure operation of the strategic UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.
The talks come after newly elected Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam rejected an earlier draft agreement negotiated under his predecessor, citing insufficient benefits for Mauritius. Ramgoolam confirmed that his administration has proposed revisions, to which the UK has responded with counter-proposals.
The proposed treaty aligns with an International Court of Justice ruling that called for the UK to relinquish control over the islands, which are currently part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. However, the agreement has faced criticism domestically, with some UK Conservatives warning against hasty decisions, particularly as concerns grow over the potential impact of Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency on bilateral arrangements.
The UK government has defended the treaty, citing provisions for a 99-year lease on the Diego Garcia base to address legal uncertainties surrounding its continued operation. Meanwhile, figures like Nigel Farage have expressed concerns about long-term implications for the base under the proposed agreement.
As talks continue, both nations remain focused on reaching a mutually acceptable resolution that balances sovereignty and security considerations.