The Prime Minister of Mauritius has suggested that the UK may have to pay more under a revised deal regarding the Chagos Islands. In October, the UK announced it would cede sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius but retain a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia, the main island hosting a military airbase jointly operated with the US. However, the newly elected Mauritian Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, sought to renegotiate the terms, linking lease payments to inflation and frontloading them, as per reports from Mauritian MPs.
While Downing Street declined to comment, a spokesperson stated that future treaty details would be scrutinized and ratified in the customary manner, in alignment with safeguarding national interests and security. Ramgoolam expressed confidence in obtaining approval for the revised deal, citing conversations with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
During discussions, Ramgoolam criticized the previous agreement, emphasizing the need for inflation protection in the new terms. He highlighted a review of the financial package to ensure a fair deal for Mauritius. Although specific payment details were not disclosed, adjustments were mentioned to increase front-loaded contributions from the UK. Furthermore, he indicated a restriction on the UK's ability to unilaterally extend the lease in the renegotiated terms.
Discussions on the deal were paused for consultation with the US administration, including concerns raised by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about potential threats to US security due to Chinese influences in the region. Notably, Mauritian-China economic ties were also underscored. Political opponents of the UK government, including Dame Priti Patel, Kemi Badenoch, and Nigel Farage, criticized the deal, expressing concerns about financial implications, accountability to Parliament, and the potential impact on geopolitical relationships.
The Chagos Islands, originally part of Mauritius until control was transferred to the UK in 1965, were marked by the forcible removal of their native population to establish the Diego Garcia base. Mauritius, having gained independence in 1968, contests UK administration over the islands, a sentiment supported by a UN court ruling. The islanders hold varying opinions on the deal, with some feeling marginalized in the negotiation process.