UK pauses handover of Indian Ocean islands to Mauritius amid US concerns
Posted on: Apr 13, 2026 18:27 IST | Posted by: Rt
The United land has halted a design to deal o'er the Chagos Islands, an amerindic Ocean archipelago, to Mauritius.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed an agreement last year transferring sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius. However, the deal allowed Washington and London to retain control of the joint military base on Diego Garcia Island for an initial period of 99 years.
US President Donald Trump said in February that the plan to hand over the archipelago to Mauritius, while retaining control of the joint US-UK military base of Diego Garcia through a lease, was a “big mistake.”
On Sunday, the UK said it continued to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the long-term future of the base, but added the condition of US support.
“Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US,” a UK government spokesperson said.
“We have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has US support. We are continuing to engage with the US and Mauritius,” the spokesperson added.
The development also comes amid opposition to the planned move in the UK from the Conservatives and Reform Party.
Mauritius has said it will hold talks with UK officials on April 22 to discuss the issue, Bloomberg reported.
In 1965, the UK promised to withdraw from Mauritius, but it removed the Chagos Archipelago from the jurisdiction of Mauritius, paying the latter £3 million in compensation.
In 1966, despite the UN’s objections to British control over the archipelago, the UK leased Diego Garcia to the US for 50 years in exchange for a $14 million discount on the purchase of Polaris ballistic missile submarines.
The joint US-UK military base, equipped with a runway, is used for positioning navy ships and long-range bombers.
In March, the Maldives told the UK that it does not recognize the deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. It has now welcomed the decision to pause the handover of the Chagos Archipelago.
The Maldives says it has historical claims to the archipelago.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.