On May 22, 2025, the United Kingdom and Mauritius concluded an agreement transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This agreement guarantees the continued operation of the vital U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia.
According to the agreement, the U.K. will lease Diego Garcia back from Mauritius for at least 99 years, at an annual cost of £101 million. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has highlighted the base's essential role in British counterterrorism and intelligence activities. The deal also establishes a trust fund to benefit Chagossians and allows Mauritius to organize resettlement on the islands – except Diego Garcia.
This agreement resolves a long-standing dispute, with international courts previously supporting Mauritius's claim. While Mauritius gains sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, the U.K. retains operational control of the base, which is critical for regional and global security. The deal encompasses a 24-mile buffer zone around Diego Garcia and has garnered support from the US and other allies.