The United Kingdom and Mauritius have reached a historic agreement under which the Chagos Islands will be returned to Mauritius, marking the end of British colonialism in Africa. The agreement was announced on 3 October 2024 by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. However, the UK will retain a 99-year lease of Diego Garcia, a strategic military base jointly operated by the United States and the UK.
Importance of Chagos Islands Agreement
The Chagos Islands, a group of 60 islands in the central Indian Ocean, have been the subject of a long-standing dispute between the UK and Mauritius. The return of these islands is significant as it represents the completion of decolonisation for Mauritius. Natives displaced from the islands will have the right to return and resettle, though this does not apply to Diego Garcia due to its military importance.
Diplomatic and Strategic Impact
The UK’s decision to hand over the islands follows growing diplomatic pressure from the international community. In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favour of Mauritius, asking the UK to return the islands. The United Nations General Assembly also passed resolutions supporting Mauritius’ claim. The military base at Diego Garcia will remain operational, ensuring continued regional stability and global security.
Role of Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia, located along crucial international trade routes, has been a key US-UK military base since the 1970s. It played vital roles during the Gulf War and US-led operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The military base is essential for providing logistics to American operational forces in the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. The US military continues to regard Diego Garcia as strategically important for maintaining security in the region.
India’s Support for Mauritius
India has consistently backed Mauritius’ claim over the Chagos Islands. The Indian government praised the agreement, calling it a step towards completing decolonisation. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support earlier this year, aligning with India’s broader principles on sovereignty and its close relationship with Mauritius.
News Summary:
- The UK and Mauritius have reached an agreement to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking the end of British colonialism in Africa.
- Diego Garcia, a key US-UK military base, will remain under UK control for the next 99 years.
- The agreement resolves a decades-long dispute between the UK and Mauritius.
- Displaced Chagossians will have the right to return, except to Diego Garcia.
- India played a quiet but supportive role in the negotiations, backing Mauritius’ claim.
Key Facts About Chagos Islands Agreement
| Feature | Details |
| Prime Ministers Involved | Keir Starmer (UK), Pravind Jugnauth (Mauritius) |
| Agreement Date | 3 October 2024 |
| Islands Returned | Chagos Islands, except Diego Garcia |
| Lease of Diego Garcia | 99 years under UK control |
| Strategic Importance | Key US-UK military base for regional security |
| Displaced Chagossians | Right to return, except to Diego Garcia |
| International Support | India, UN, and ICJ ruling in favour of Mauritius |
Read – UN’s Official Coverage on Chagos Islands: UK’s last African colony returned to Mauritius
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The Chagos Islands agreement involves the UK returning the islands to Mauritius, except for Diego Garcia, which will remain under a 99-year lease.
Diego Garcia is a crucial US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean, providing logistical support to US military operations in regions like the Middle East and Asia.
In the 1970s, the UK and US forcibly removed the Chagossians to make way for the military base on Diego Garcia.
The UK faced increasing diplomatic pressure after the International Court of Justice and the UN ruled in favour of Mauritius’ sovereignty over the islands.
India supported Mauritius throughout the legal dispute, advocating for the return of the Chagos Islands to complete decolonisation.
Diego Garcia is strategically located along major trade routes and is key to global security due to its role in supporting US military operations.
Yes, the Chagossians displaced in the 1970s will have the right to return to the Chagos Islands, except for Diego Garcia.