British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Mauritian counterpart Navin Ramgoolam held their first direct conversation on the Chagos Islands deal on Friday, marking a significant moment in their ongoing negotiations.
The discussion follows an agreement made last October between the UK and Mauritius, which involves returning control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a move that was long sought after by the island nation since its independence in the 1960s.
However, the deal comes with the condition that the UK-US military base remains operational on the largest island, Diego Garcia.
According to a readout of the call released by Downing Street, Starmer emphasised the importance of safeguarding the military base on Diego Garcia, ensuring that it remains secure from external threats, including those of a malign nature.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to the agreement and expressed interest in further discussions soon.
Since taking office in November, Ramgoolam’s government has reopened talks regarding the deal, reportedly pushing for higher financial compensation and revisiting the terms of the lease for the US military base on Diego Garcia.
He also reassured that the agreement would ensure the US’s continued presence on the strategic island, despite growing concerns in Washington.
Ramgoolam addressed the rumours surrounding Mauritius’s potential ties to China, denying claims that the country would allow China to establish military bases on the islands. These claims, which he described as part of a disinformation campaign, have been a source of tension in the ongoing negotiations.
Earlier this month, London indicated it would engage with the administration of US President Donald Trump following criticism from some of his Republican allies about the deal.
Notably, new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has voiced concerns, suggesting that ceding control of the islands could undermine Western influence in the Indian Ocean and enhance China’s strategic reach in the region.
Since the establishment of the Diego Garcia base after Mauritius’s independence, the UK has leased the island to the United States.
The base has served as a key hub for US military operations, particularly during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, housing long-range bombers and ships.
