UK Pauses Chagos Archipelago Sovereignty Transfer Treaty for Discussions with United States
The United Kingdom has paused a bill to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius to hold discussions with the United States. The treaty, signed in May 2025, includes a 99-year lease for the strategic military base on Diego Garcia to the UK. However, shifting political positions in the US have prompted a reconsideration of the deal's long-term security implications. The archipelago's status is a major issue in Indian Ocean geopolitics, involving decolonization and the maintenance of a joint UK-US military presence vital for regional operations.
Key Points
- The treaty would recognize Mauritius's sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago while leasing Diego Garcia to the UK.
- Diego Garcia is a critical joint UK-US military base in the Indian Ocean.
- The pause in legislation follows concerns raised by US political figures regarding the base's security.
- The deal involves an average annual payment of GBP 101 million to Mauritius.
Exam Facts
- The Chagos Archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean.
- The treaty was negotiated over 11 rounds between Mauritius and the UK.
- Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago.
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