The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, is set to meet with Jonathan Powell, the National Security Adviser to the UK Prime Minister, during his upcoming visit to the United Kingdom. The meeting, scheduled to take place on September 26, 2026, will focus on the latest developments regarding the Chagos Archipelago. This meeting comes after a telephone conversation between Ramgoolam and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on September 21, 2026, where Burnham reaffirmed his commitment to working with Mauritius and the United States to ratify the Agreement on the Chagos Archipelago signed on May 22, 2025.
The Agreement on the Chagos Archipelago, signed by Mauritius and the UK on May 22, 2025, has been a significant development in the long-standing dispute over the archipelago. The UK Prime Minister's commitment to seeking a resolution satisfactory to all parties was reiterated after his meeting with the US President on September 22, 2026. Despite the US President's opposition to the agreement, the UK Prime Minister expressed his determination to find a solution. The British authorities have maintained that the sovereignty of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago is not in question, in line with international law.
The International Court of Justice, in its Advisory Opinion on February 25, 2019, and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, in its judgments on January 28, 2021, and April 28, 2023, have all confirmed the undisputable sovereignty of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago. Furthermore, UN General Assembly Resolution 73/295, adopted on May 22, 2025, also supports Mauritius' sovereignty. The UK and Mauritius have agreed that the operation of the military base in Diego Garcia will continue uninterrupted, with the May 2025 Agreement ensuring its long-term, secure, and effective operation.
The meeting between Ramgoolam and Powell will provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss the current status of the Chagos Archipelago and the implementation of the May 2025 Agreement. Ramgoolam's visit to the UK is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and promote a peaceful resolution to the Chagos Archipelago issue. The UK's stance on the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago has been clear, with the British authorities acknowledging Mauritius' rights over the archipelago.
The Chagos Archipelago has been a point of contention between Mauritius and the UK for several decades. The archipelago, which is home to a US military base in Diego Garcia, has been under British control since the 19th century. However, Mauritius has consistently claimed sovereignty over the archipelago, and the issue has been the subject of numerous international court rulings and UN resolutions.
The Prime Minister's meeting with Powell is seen as a crucial step towards finding a resolution to the Chagos Archipelago issue. The UK's National Security Adviser plays a key role in shaping the UK's foreign policy, and his meeting with Ramgoolam is expected to provide valuable insights into the UK's approach to the issue. The outcome of the meeting is expected to have significant implications for the future of the Chagos Archipelago and the relationship between Mauritius and the UK.
The discussions between Ramgoolam and Powell will take place against the backdrop of a complex international landscape. The US President's opposition to the Agreement on the Chagos Archipelago has added a new layer of complexity to the issue. However, the UK Prime Minister's commitment to finding a solution satisfactory to all parties has provided a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution. The meeting between Ramgoolam and Powell is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- The meeting between Ramgoolam and Powell will focus on the implementation of the May 2025 Agreement on the Chagos Archipelago.
- The UK has acknowledged Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, in line with international law.
- The operation of the US military base in Diego Garcia will continue uninterrupted, as guaranteed by the May 2025 Agreement.
