On October 4, 2026, Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam met with Jonathan Powell, the National Security Advisor to the UK Prime Minister, in London to discuss the long-standing Chagos Islands issue. The meeting, which lasted over two hours, aimed to address the delayed ratification of the treaty signed on May 22, 2025, between Mauritius and the UK. The treaty recognizes Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago while allowing the UK and US to continue utilizing Diego Garcia.
Ramgoolam emphasized that Mauritius will not wait indefinitely for the treaty to be ratified, stating that the country will consider taking legal action if necessary. He clarified that the focus of the meeting was not on financial compensation but on the implications of a delayed ratification. The Prime Minister stressed that unless the treaty is ratified within a reasonable timeframe, Mauritius will have to explore legal options, which could have significant international repercussions.
The Mauritian government has been working closely with international lawyers to develop a strategy for potential legal action. Ramgoolam's message to the UK is that while diplomatic efforts are still preferred, there is a limit to how long Mauritius can wait. The context of the negotiations has become more complex, with the US now playing a crucial role in the strategic equation surrounding Diego Garcia.
The involvement of Charles Powell, former Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs to Margaret Thatcher, added a historical dimension to the meeting. Charles Powell recalled his past interactions with sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Navin Ramgoolam's predecessor, and noted that Margaret Thatcher had appreciated an invitation to visit Mauritius after her electoral defeat.
However, the current situation requires a new approach. The Chagos issue can no longer be treated as a strictly bilateral matter between Mauritius and the UK. The US is now a key player, and a three-way negotiation may be necessary to resolve the issue. Ramgoolam's government wants to ensure that Mauritian sovereignty is respected while also acknowledging the strategic importance of Diego Garcia.
The proposed treaty of 2025 recognizes Mauritian sovereignty and provides for the continued operation of the US base on Diego Garcia. The question now is how to balance these two aspects. Mauritius is seeking to take control of the situation, not by challenging US strategic interests but by insisting that sovereignty not be compromised.
With the diplomatic timeline potentially stretching out, Ramgoolam's government is setting a new calendar for the ratification of the treaty. If diplomatic efforts continue to stall, the legal timeframe may begin, and Mauritius may pursue its options in the international courts.
Key points
- Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam warns of potential legal action if the UK does not ratify the Chagos treaty within a reasonable timeframe.
