The UK is seeking a new agreement on the return of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, with the support of the United States. The archipelago in the Indian Ocean is home to a significant US-UK military base. UK Defence Minister Wes Streeting stated that the current agreement, signed in May 2025, cannot move forward without US backing. The deal was suspended in April 2026 after being denounced by former US President Donald Trump.
The agreement had been the result of intense negotiations over several years. It included a 99-year lease for the UK to use the island of Diego Garcia for military purposes, in exchange for an annual payment of £101 million. The base has played a crucial role in several military operations, including the two US-led wars in Iraq and attacks against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Donald Trump criticised the agreement, calling it "terrible" during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the UN General Assembly in New York. Trump also expressed concerns about the UK's decision not to allow US bombers to use the base to attack Iran earlier this year. The UK had maintained control over the Chagos Islands when Mauritius gained independence in 1968.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that a compromise must be found between the parties involved. He emphasised that the UK is working hard to reach a new agreement. The UK's previous government, led by Keir Starmer, had argued that the original agreement was the only viable option.
The Chagos Islands have been a point of contention between the UK and Mauritius for decades. The UK's retention of the islands has been a source of tension, with Mauritius claiming sovereignty over the archipelago. A new agreement would need to balance the interests of all parties involved, including the UK, Mauritius, and the US.
The US has significant military interests in the Chagos Islands, particularly with regard to the base on Diego Garcia. The base has been used for a range of military operations, including drone strikes and bomber missions. Any new agreement would need to take into account the US's strategic interests in the region.
The UK's efforts to secure a new agreement on the Chagos Islands reflect the complexities of international diplomacy. The situation highlights the challenges of balancing competing interests and finding mutually acceptable solutions. A new agreement is yet to be reached, and it remains to be seen whether the parties involved can find a compromise that works for all.
Key points
- The UK is seeking a new agreement on the return of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, with US support.
- The original agreement was suspended after being denounced by former US President Donald Trump.
- A new agreement would need to balance the interests of the UK, Mauritius, and the US.
