The UK government is expected to increase its payments to Mauritius for the Chagos Islands deal, initially estimated at £90 million annually. With inflation adjustments, the total cost could rise significantly over 99 years. Mauritius’ Prime Minister Ramgoolam renegotiated the deal to include better terms, amid political opposition and concerns regarding lack of transparency in the agreement.
The UK government is poised to pay more than previously intended to Mauritius as part of a deal concerning the Chagos Islands. Under an agreement reached in October 2024, the UK will transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while maintaining a 99-year lease of the strategic military base at Diego Garcia. Initial reports stated an annual payment of £90 million, totaling around £9 billion, though costs may exceed this amount due to inflation adjustments.
Mauritius recently indicated that the UK has agreed to inflation-adjusted payments for the lease, meaning the annual payment could increase significantly over the lease term. Prime Minister Ramgoolam highlighted that the previous arrangement, negotiated by former Prime Minister Jugnauth, failed to consider inflation. He emphasized that the revised deal must protect against inflation’s effects, stating, “What’s the point of getting money and then having half of it by the end?”.
Moreover, Mauritius has secured additional concessions from the UK. Ramgoolam noted that Mauritius will hold a veto over any lease extensions beyond the 99 years, a shift from past reports that allowed an extension solely at the UK’s discretion. Further, the UK is likely to make upfront payments over several years, sweetening the overall agreement.
The Chagos Islands deal faces opposition from both the Trump administration in the U.S. and within the UK, where some political figures regard it as a strategic error. Shadow Foreign Secretary Dama Priti Patel criticized the agreement, referring to it as an “epic failure of diplomacy” and arguing that it undermines national security and public finances. Patel expressed concern over the lack of transparency, demanding clarity on the deal’s costs to taxpayers.
In summary, the UK-Mauritius agreement regarding the Chagos Islands is complex and evolving, with potential costs rising due to inflation adjustments and additional negotiations yielding further concessions. Political resistance both domestically and internationally adds layers of uncertainty to the implementation of this significant agreement.
The Chagos Islands are a group of about 60 islands located in the Indian Ocean, with Diego Garcia being the largest and hosting a critical military base for the UK and the U.S. The sovereignty of these islands has been a contentious issue since the UK ceded control to the U.S. for defense purposes during the Cold War. The recent negotiations arise amid concerns over regional stability and geopolitical tensions, particularly involving China’s influence in the Indian Ocean region.
In conclusion, the UK is preparing to pay more for the Chagos Islands deal than initially projected, driven by inflation adjustments and additional concessions secured by Mauritius. The agreement remains controversial and politically charged, with implications for national security and economic management in both the UK and Mauritius. Continued scrutiny from political leaders suggests that unresolved issues could affect the future of the deal.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
