LONDON â Britain is seeking to finalize a deal on handing sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after U.S. President Donald Trump said last month that he was inclined to support the deal. However, critics say the agreement could threaten the security of a joint U.S.-U.K. military base on the islands amid fears of Chinas close ties with Mauritius.
Many of the original inhabitants of the islands who were forcibly expelled to make way for the base on Diego Garcia in the 1960s and 1970s are also critical of the agreement and say their voices have been ignored.
British colony
The Chagos Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, are one of the last vestiges of the British Empire. They comprise more than 60 islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the largest of which is Diego Garcia. Britain officially took ownership of the archipelago from France after the defeat of French leader and Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815.
The islands were administered from Mauritius, which argues it was illegally forced to give up the Chagos Islands in return for its own independence from Britain in 1968.
In an advisory opinion in 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague ruled … the process of decolonization of Mauritius was not lawfully completed when that country acceded to independence. The judges added that Britain is under an obligation to bring to an end its administration of the Chagos Archipelago as rapidly as possible.
Sovereignty negotiations
Negotiations between Britain and Mauritius on ceding sovereignty have been going on for several years. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, has sought to finalize the agreement since winning power in July last year.
Speaking to British lawmakers last month, Starmer said a deal was vital to secure the future of the U.S. military base.
This is a military base that is vital for our national security. A number of years ago, the legal certainty of that base was thrown into doubt. ⦠Without legal certainty, the base cannot operate in practical terms as it should. That is bad for our national security and its a gift to our adversaries, Starmer said on Feb. 5.
British media report that Britain will cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands and pay Mauritius around $116 million a year for 99 years to lease back Diego Garcia and allow the military base to remain, with an option to extend the lease for another 40 years. However, neither Britain nor Mauritius have confirmed any details, and the agreement is yet to be finalized.
Trump approval
During a visit by Starmer to the White House last month, Trump said that he was inclined to approve the deal.
I have a feeling its going to work out very well. Theyre talking about a very long-term, powerful lease, a very strong lease, about 140 years actually. Thats a long time, and I think well be inclined to go along with your country, Trump told Starmer during the visit on Feb. 27.
The proposed deal also has the backing of India, which has close political and security ties to Mauritius.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to travel to Mauritius on Tuesday as chief guest on the countrys national day, the anniversary of its independence from Britain. Modi is expected to discuss upgrading Indias defense ties with the island nation.
China concerns
Politicians in Britain and the United States, however, have expressed concerns over potential security implications of handing sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius amid a growing threat from China in the region.
Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary for Britains Conservative opposition party, described the proposed plan as a strategic disaster for Britain that represented an appalling betrayal of the British people.
Members of Britains Shadow Cabinet are responsible for scrutinizing the policies
