UK Transfers Chagos Islands Sovereignty to Mauritius, Retains Military Base Lease

In 2024, Britain agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while securing a 99-year lease for the strategic US-UK military base on Diego Garcia. The deal aims to address decolonization concerns and facilitate the return of displaced Chagossians. While the US government initially supported the agreement, former President Donald Trump later criticized it as weakening Western security, warning of increased influence from China and Russia. The UK government defended the deal as essential for maintaining the base's operational security amid legal challenges.