The UK and Mauritius have firmly denied media reports suggesting that the cost of the agreement concerning the Chagos Islands, specifically the Diego Garcia military base, has doubled.
These denials come amidst scrutiny of the recently struck deal, which involves the UK ceding sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius while retaining control of the strategically important base.
UK Foreign Office Minister Dismisses Cost Doubling Reports
Stephen Doughty, a British Foreign Office minister, addressed parliament, categorically denying reports that the cost of retaining the Diego Garcia base could rise from £9 billion ($11.29 billion) to £18 billion.
He dismissed these reports as “categorically untrue” and emphasized that there is “no change to the substance or the quantum in relation to the agreement.” He also cautioned the general public against believing the widespread speculation surrounding the deal.
Background on the Chagos Islands Agreement
In October 2024, Britain reached an agreement to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which gained independence in 1968.
However, the UK will retain control of the Diego Garcia military base under a 99-year lease. This arrangement has faced criticism and raised questions about its long-term implications.
The Mauritian Prime Minister’s Stance on The Matter
Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam – elected in November, has expressed reservations about the deal and suggested potential modifications.
These include requiring mutual agreement for lease extensions and front-loading lease payments to account for inflation. Additionally, the Trump administration is reportedly reviewing the agreement.
Financial Aspects of the Chagos Islands Deal
While Prime Minister Ramgoolam has campaigned for changes to the payment structure, the Mauritius government clarified that this does not mean he claimed the overall cost had doubled.
According to the government, the focus is on making sure that payments reflect the real value over time and that both nations agree to any future lease extensions.
UK Government’s Transparency on Deal Costs
The British government has so far, refused to publicly disclose the financial details of the agreement, adding to the controversy and fueling speculation about the actual cost. This lack of transparency has drawn criticism from opposition parties.
Political Criticism of the Chagos Islands Deal
Priti Patel, the Conservative Party’s spokesperson on foreign affairs, criticized the deal as “one of the worst foreign policy failures in modern British history,” arguing that the government is surrendering a crucial strategic asset and potentially incurring significant costs.
A non-binding UN General Assembly resolution had in 2019 urged Britain to relinquish control of the Chagos Archipelago, citing the forced displacement of the Chagos Islanders.
