Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam stated that Sir Keir Starmer is eager to finalize a deal to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius soon. The agreement may allow Mauritius to veto a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia, a critical US military base. Critics worry this could strengthen China’s influence in the Indian Ocean, prompting significant opposition in the UK and the Trump administration.
Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced that UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is optimistic about finalizing a deal to relinquish control of the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius in the coming weeks. This announcement came after their recent telephone discussions. The proposed agreement may include a provision that grants Mauritius the authority to veto any extensions of the proposed 99-year lease for the strategic Diego Garcia airbase, currently used by the United States.
The prospective deal has drawn sharp criticism from figures within the Trump administration, as well as UK opposition leaders, who argue the handover may enhance China’s influence in the Indian Ocean region. Previous discussions led to an agreement under the former Mauritian government, but Ramgoolam is seeking a renegotiation after taking office.
Ramgoolam emphasized that the agreement reaffirms Mauritian sovereignty while requiring mutual consent for any lease extension on Diego Garcia. The Trump administration is currently reviewing this potential deal. He stated, “President Trump is not a wolf. Let him see if the agreement is good or not,” alluding to the US’s role in the review process.
The UK has expressed concerns that the deal may undermine national security, considering that Diego Garcia houses a critical joint UK-US military base. Reports indicate the UK plans to lease back this facility for 99 years at an estimated annual cost of £90 million. Notably, critics in the Trump administration have expressed fears that the transfer could weaken Western presence and bolster China’s reach.
Priti Patel, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, criticized Starmer’s approach, suggesting it jeopardizes Britain’s national security and its historical ties with the US. She argued that Starmer prioritizes political gestures over the country’s strategic interests, cautioning that this could embolden adversaries and isolate the new US administration in foreign affairs.
Despite escalating tensions surrounding this issue, Downing Street has not released further statements. However, they acknowledged the importance of the military base at Diego Garcia, emphasizing the necessity of establishing strong protections against any undue influence. Plans for further diplomatic engagement are underway, including a forthcoming meeting between David Lammy and US officials to discuss the matter.
The Chagos Islands, particularly Diego Garcia, have been a point of contention in international relations due to their strategic military significance and the implications of territorial sovereignty. The UK had established a military base there, leading to historical disputes regarding the forced displacement of the Chagossian population. Recent shifts in political leadership in both the UK and Mauritius have prompted renewed dialogue about the future of these islands, particularly concerning alternative geopolitical influences in the region and the evolving US-Mauritius relationship.
The potential transfer of control over the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius has significant geopolitical implications amid rising concerns over national security and international relations. The negotiations, spearheaded by Sir Keir Starmer and Mauritius’s Prime Minister, indicate a willingness to revisit historical agreements but face fierce opposition domestically and from US officials. The outcome will have lasting effects on UK, US, and Mauritius relations, especially in the context of regional power dynamics involving China.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
