UK, Mauritius Seek Diego Garcia Base Deal

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to work with Mauritius and the United States to resolve the dispute surrounding the strategically important Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean.

Burnham spoke with Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam on Monday, with the future of Diego Garcia and the wider Chagos Islands agreement among the key issues discussed. Downing Street said Burnham emphasized his commitment to finding a path that safeguards continued operations at the U.S.-British military facility while protecting UK national security.

Britain signed an agreement with Mauritius last year to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands after more than two centuries of British control. Under the arrangement, the UK would retain a 99-year lease covering Diego Garcia, allowing the strategically significant military base to continue operating.

However, legislation required to implement the Chagos Islands agreement has yet to complete its passage through the British parliament. Progress was paused amid opposition from the United States, with President Donald Trump earlier describing the arrangement as a “big mistake.”

The dispute has placed renewed attention on Diego Garcia, which plays an important role in U.S. and British military operations and broader security strategy in the Indian Ocean.

Burnham and Ramgoolam agreed to maintain close contact as negotiations continue. The British prime minister also said he hoped the UK foreign secretary and Mauritian Foreign Minister Ritish Ramful would meet during the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding implementation, Britain has already signed the treaty with Mauritius. The proposed framework would transfer sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago while preserving long-term British control of the Diego Garcia base through the lease.

Burnham’s commitment signals that London intends to continue negotiations with both Mauritius and Washington in an effort to secure the base’s long-term operation while addressing the unresolved sovereignty issue.