Where Are the Chagos Islands, and Why Do They Matter?
Tucked away in the Indian Ocean lies a remote and strategic group of over 60 small islands known as the Chagos Archipelago. Located south of the Maldives and near India’s southern tip, this region has long been a hotspot of geopolitical and legal contention. At the heart of the archipelago is Diego Garcia, home to a powerful US military base that has supported major global operations—from the Vietnam War to conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Yemen.
Originally under French control, the islands were ceded to Britain in 1814. In 1965, the UK controversially separated the Chagos Islands from Mauritius—then a British colony—just three years before granting Mauritius independence. This act triggered decades of legal battles, diplomatic tensions, and a persistent struggle for justice by Chagossian families who were forcibly removed to make way for military infrastructure.
UK Agrees to Return Chagos Islands to Mauritius
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the United Kingdom has agreed to return sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The decision follows a UK High Court ruling and is a significant shift in British foreign policy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the strategic importance of Diego Garcia for British and American counterterrorism and intelligence efforts, but also highlighted the need to secure long-term safety while honoring international legal rulings.
Starmer stated, “By agreeing to this deal now on our terms, we’re securing strong protections, including from malign influence, that will allow the base to operate well into the next century.”
The UK’s decision to move forward comes after years of mounting international pressure, including a 2019 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which called on Britain to end its administration and return the islands to Mauritius. That opinion was later supported by a United Nations vote.
A Costly Move with Political Backlash
While the move has been celebrated by Mauritius and international human rights advocates, it hasn't come without criticism within the UK. The deal is expected to cost British taxpayers billions, though specific figures have not been disclosed. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the Labour government’s decision, calling it a surrender of British territory and a financial burden.
She further questioned Mauritius’s close economic ties with China, raising concerns over national security. Meanwhile, UK foreign policy officials warned that delaying the transfer could damage relationships with key allies like the United States and Mauritius.
Chagossian Joy and Homecoming
In Mauritius, the agreement was met with scenes of celebration. At the Chagos Refugees Group headquarters in Pointe aux Sables, near Port Louis, dozens of Chagossians gathered to mark what they called a "historic day." Fireworks lit up the sky, emotions ran high, and for many, it was a long-awaited moment of justice.
One elderly Chagossian woman told the BBC, “Now I can finally go there… and die in peace.”
Olivier Bancoult, a leader of the Chagos Refugees Group, described it as a personal and collective victory. “For years, talking to our children about Chagos felt like telling them a story about a place we never truly knew,” he said. “Today, they will finally be able to walk the land of their ancestors.”
Barristers and activists hailed the agreement as a “win-win”—preserving strategic security interests for the UK and US, while finally recognizing Mauritius’s full sovereignty.
India’s Strong Support for the Deal
India has openly welcomed the UK-Mauritius agreement, framing it as a significant milestone in the global decolonization movement. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the resolution reflects India’s long-standing support for Mauritius’s territorial integrity and aligns with the principles of international law.
“This is a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region,” the MEA stated, adding that it strengthens the spirit of rules-based global order. India has always stood by Mauritius's claim, viewing it as part of a broader push for decolonization and regional stability.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal added, “As a steadfast and longstanding partner of Mauritius, India remains committed to working closely with Mauritius and other like-minded countries to strengthen maritime security and regional stability in the Indian Ocean region.”
Why This Deal Matters Globally
The Chagos Islands saga isn't just a bilateral issue between the UK and Mauritius—it has far-reaching implications for global geopolitics, military alliances, and the rights of displaced communities. With the Indian Ocean becoming increasingly vital for global trade and military positioning, control over regions like the Chagos Archipelago takes on strategic importance.
By resolving this decades-long dispute, the UK helps restore international credibility while balancing its strategic interests with moral responsibility. Mauritius reclaims a crucial piece of its heritage, and India strengthens its position as a key regional stabilizer.
The path forward may still have its challenges—especially with regard to the US military presence and regional security concerns—but this historic agreement marks a meaningful step toward justice, reconciliation, and cooperation in the Indian Ocean.