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UK Agrees to Return Chagos Islands to Mauritius

  • 04 Oct 2024

On 3rd Oct 2024, the UK agreed to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, an Indian Ocean archipelago, to Mauritius in a historic political agreement.

  • This move secures the future of the strategically crucial UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the chain.

Key Details

  • Status of the Base: For the first time in over 50 years, the military base's status will be legally secure under a treaty between the UK and Mauritius.
  • India’s Role: India welcomed the deal, viewing it as completing the decolonization of Mauritius. India played a significant role behind the scenes, supporting the Mauritian position and facilitating negotiations.
  • Support: The joint statement by the UK and Mauritius acknowledged the support of India and the US in reaching the agreement.
  • Treaty Terms: Under the upcoming treaty, Mauritius will gain sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, while the UK will retain authority for the operation of the base for an initial period of 99 years.