The British government has unveiled plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while simultaneously agreeing to lease back the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base. The proposal follows years of legal disputes and diplomatic tensions over the remote Indian Ocean archipelago, which Mauritius claims as part of its territory. Compensation for the relocation of displaced Chagossians and the continued use of the base for defense operations remain central to the negotiations. The move could reshape regional geopolitics, particularly for U.S. military interests in the area.
The UK has proposed handing the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and paying to lease back an important military base.
