UK's 'Historic' Chagos Islands Agreement with Mauritius Secures Diego Garcia

The UK announced a historic agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while retaining joint control with the US over the Diego Garcia military base for 99 years. The pact aims to secure military operations, counter illegal migration, and strengthen UK-Mauritius relations.

The United Kingdom has reached a significant agreement with Mauritius regarding sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, a contentious archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The deal, described as 'historic,' ensures that Mauritius will assume control over the islands, while the UK retains joint management of the strategic Diego Garcia military base for another 99 years, alongside the United States.

The agreement is hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough, ending years of contention over the British Indian Ocean Territory. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritian counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth welcomed the move as a step towards mutual security and prosperity, reaffirming the strategic military base's role in regional stability and international security.

This development has garnered support from international allies, including the United States and India. The treaty aims to resolve pending bilateral issues, promote lawful operation of Diego Garcia, and restrict the use of the Indian Ocean as a migration route. The decision is a pivotal moment, marking a new chapter in UK-Mauritius relations amid global security concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)