UK–Mauritius May 2025 agreement recognises Mauritian sovereignty over Chagos Archipelago

US President Donald Trump criticises the potential return of Diego Garcia by the United Kingdom to Mauritius, citing the presence of a vital US military base. This follows a May 2025 UK–Republic of Mauritius agreement that recognises Mauritian sovereignty over the entire Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.

UK–Mauritius May 2025 Agreement on Chagos Archipelago (including Diego Garcia):

Dimension	Key Details
Diego Garcia: type and location	Provides for Diego Garcia as a coral atoll in the central Indian Ocean; comprises part of the Chagos Archipelago.
Chagos Archipelago: administration status	Governed by administration by the United Kingdom as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) from 1965.
Parties	Agreement signed by the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius.
Sovereignty recognition	Mauritius being recognised as sovereign over the entire Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.
Diego Garcia: lease provision	United Kingdom having a 99 years lease of Diego Garcia.
Military use	Joint UK–US military facility; hosts a vital US military base.