On Thursday, Britain announced its decision to relinquish sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This agreement will facilitate the return of individuals displaced many years ago, while allowing the United Kingdom to maintain its military operations at the Diego Garcia base in collaboration with the United States.

The agreement ensures the continued operation of Diego Garcia, a strategically important military facility, while permitting Mauritius to resettle the remaining islands following the displacement of their original inhabitants.

British Foreign Minister David Lammy stated, “This government has inherited a situation where the secure, long-term operation of the Diego Garcia military base was jeopardized due to disputed sovereignty and ongoing legal disputes. Today’s agreement secures this essential military base for the future. It will enhance our role in promoting global security, eliminate the potential for the Indian Ocean to be exploited as a hazardous route for illegal migration to the UK, and solidify our enduring partnership with Mauritius.”

In 2019, the World Court ruled that Britain must relinquish its control over the islands, stating that it had unjustly compelled the local population to evacuate in the 1970s to accommodate a U.S. air base. In a collaborative announcement, both Britain and Mauritius indicated that the political agreement received backing and support from the United States and India.