United Kingdom set to signal deal ceding sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius

This picture, launched by the U.S. Navy, reveals an aerial view of Diego Garcia. File
| Photo Credit: AP

Britain is ready to signal a deal ceding sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius whereas additionally securing the way forward for the U.Okay.-U.S. Diego Garcia navy base within the Indian Ocean, media reported on Thursday (May 22, 2025).

The deal, the main points of which have been first introduced in October, will enable Britain to retain management of the navy base on Diego Garcia, the biggest island of the archipelago within the Indian Ocean, underneath a 99-year lease.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be a part of a digital signing ceremony with representatives from the Mauritian Government, the Telegraph newspaper reported.

In 1965, Britain indifferent the Chagos Islands from Mauritius — a former colony that grew to become unbiased three years later — to create the British-Indian Ocean Territory.

Financial particulars of the deal haven’t been set out. Media stories have put the associated fee to Britain at £9 billion.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who took workplace in November, indicated his backing for the deal in February after assembly Starmer in Washington. Mr. Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden had additionally supported the settlement.