The United Kingdom is contemplating revisions to the 2025 agreement with Mauritius regarding the Chagos archipelago to address US concerns about the Diego Garcia military base. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham mentioned exploring the Greenland model, which was agreed upon by the US, Denmark, and Greenland in September. This approach may help unblock trilateral discussions but does not necessarily imply a renegotiation of the initial compromise.
The 2025 agreement between Mauritius and the UK provides for the transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius, with the UK retaining a 99-year lease on the Diego Garcia base. The deal includes a payment of £165 million (approximately Rs 8.6 billion) per year for three years and £120 million (approximately Rs 6.3 billion) per year thereafter. Mauritius aims to preserve these financial arrangements and the recognition of its sovereignty.
The UK's consideration of the Greenland model is driven by US concerns about the strategic importance of Diego Garcia. The Greenland agreement allows the US to enhance its military presence while maintaining Danish sovereignty. Burnham emphasized the need to balance US security concerns with Mauritius' interests. He confirmed that his government is in discussions with US authorities to find a suitable solution.
Mauritius is committed to upholding the 2025 agreement and resisting significant concessions in new discussions. The Mauritian government prioritizes the right of return for Chagossians to the archipelago and expects the UK to honor its commitments. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam met with Burnham at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua, where they agreed to work towards a common plan to advance discussions by December.
Ramgoolam stressed the urgency of resolving the Chagos issue for Mauritius and the need for a clear roadmap. The two leaders will collaborate on a joint plan to move forward discussions. The Chagos issue was also a topic of discussion at the Commonwealth Leaders' Retreat, where Ramgoolam expressed opposition to hosting the next summit in the Maldives due to its stance on the archipelago's sovereignty.
Ramgoolam is currently in London, where he will meet with British legal advisors working on the Chagos dossier to review recent developments and next steps. The UK's exploration of the Greenland model may provide a way forward, but it remains to be seen whether this approach will satisfy all parties involved.
The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for the Chagos archipelago, Mauritius, and the UK-US relationship. A mutually acceptable solution must balance the strategic interests of the US with the sovereignty concerns of Mauritius.
Key points
- The UK is exploring the Greenland model as a potential solution to address US concerns about Diego Garcia.
- Mauritius is committed to preserving the terms of the 2025 agreement, including financial arrangements and recognition of its sovereignty.
- A joint plan is being developed to advance discussions on the Chagos issue by December.
