Downing Street has denied that the agreement to hand control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is faltering after the country’s new prime minister, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, questioned the current terms, a UK media outlet reported.
The deal, originally reached in October under the previous Mauritian administration, would see the UK relinquish its final African colony while retaining control of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia for at least 99 years. However, Ramgoolam, who returned as prime minister in November, has called for revisions to ensure the agreement better serves Mauritian interests.
Addressing Mauritius’ parliament, Ramgoolam explained that the draft agreement presented after the elections was insufficient and counter-proposals had been submitted to the UK.
“Mauritius made clear that while it is willing to conclude an agreement, the draft would not produce the benefits the nation could expect,” he was quoted as saying.
Talks are ongoing, with UK officials confirming receipt of Mauritius’ suggestions and Downing Street emphasizing constructive engagement with the new administration, the report said.
A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly dismissed suggestions that the deal was unraveling, explaining that it is normal to renegotiate following a change in leadership. The government remains committed to securing the long-term operation of the Diego Garcia military base, a strategic asset for regional and international security. The spokesperson stressed that the deal protects the base from contested sovereignty and legal challenges that previously jeopardized its operation.
The deal has faced criticism domestically and internationally. UK Conservatives have labeled it an unnecessary surrender of sovereignty, warning it could enable Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. In the US, Donald Trump’s ally, Marco Rubio, called the agreement a threat to national security. However, Biden’s administration has publicly supported the deal, citing its importance for maintaining stability in the region.