UK give back Indian Ocean region to previous colony

(MENAFN) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signed a landmark agreement transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending a decades-long territorial dispute. However, under the deal, the UK and US will continue to operate their joint military base on Diego Garcia for an initial 99-year period.

The Chagos archipelago, a group of over 60 islands in the Indian Ocean located about 500 kilometers south of the Maldives, was separated from Mauritius by Britain in 1965 ahead of Mauritian independence in 1968. In 1966, the largest island, Diego Garcia, was leased to the United States, resulting in the forced displacement of around 2,000 residents.

Starmer underscored Diego Garcia’s strategic value for UK defense operations, citing its role in missions across Iraq, Afghanistan, the Red Sea, and the Indo-Pacific. He noted that the deal ensures safeguards against “malign influence.” US President Donald Trump reportedly backs the agreement as well, recognizing the base's geopolitical significance.

Mauritius’ Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam welcomed the agreement as a “historic” move, claiming it completes the decolonization process.

However, critics, including Conservative MP and foreign affairs spokeswoman Priti Patel, condemned the deal. She dubbed it “Labour’s Chagos Surrender Deal” and argued it undermines UK defense interests, wastes taxpayer money, and diminishes support for Chagossians.

According to Reuters, the agreement is valued at $3.9 billion (£3 billion) over the 99-year term. It also includes a 24-mile restricted zone around Diego Garcia, with any future construction requiring British approval. The lease could be extended by another 40 years if mutually agreed upon.

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