Britain to hand over Chagos Islands in Indian Ocean to Mauritius

A joint statement from the UK and Mauritius governments said the agreement would "fix the wrongs of the past and demonstrate both sides’ commitment to supporting the well-being of the Chagossians".

The British government also said Mauritius could now implement a resettlement programme on the islands (excluding Diego Garcia), while the UK would provide support for Chagossians displaced by the separation of the archipelago.

The island of Diego Garcia, part of the archipelago, is home to a joint British-US military base, which, according to Sky News, “plays a crucial role in regional stability and international security.” It has also served as a base for aircraft that participated in the 2003 Iraq War and the war in Afghanistan. According to the agreement, the base will remain under the control of the British government for at least the next 99 years.

US President Joe Biden supported the decision to transfer Chagos to Mauritius, calling the agreement evidence that “through diplomacy and partnership, countries can overcome long-standing historical issues and achieve peaceful and mutually beneficial outcomes.”

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