26 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

5 min

International RelationsNEWS

UK Pauses Chagos Treaty Discussions with U.S. Amid Diego Garcia Concerns

Q: This situation sounds similar to other territorial disputes. What makes the Chagos Archipelago case unique?

Several factors make it unique: * Forced Displacement: The UK forcibly displaced the native Chagossians to create the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and lease Diego Garcia to the U.S. This element of forced displacement distinguishes it from many other territorial disputes. * ICJ Ruling: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that the UK's administration of the Chagos Archipelago is unlawful, adding a layer of international legal complexity. * Strategic Military Importance: Diego Garcia's significance as a joint UK-U.S. military base adds a major geopolitical dimension not present in all territorial disputes.

Q: If a Mains question asks me to 'Critically examine the UK's handling of the Chagos Archipelago dispute,' what key arguments should I include?

A strong answer should include: * Violation of International Law: Discuss the ICJ ruling and UN resolutions that have condemned the UK's administration. * Human Rights Concerns: Highlight the forced displacement of the Chagossians and the denial of their right to return. * Strategic Interests vs. Moral Obligations: Analyze the tension between the UK's strategic alliance with the U.S. and its moral obligations to the Chagossians and the international community. * Geopolitical Implications: Examine the broader implications for decolonization efforts and the rules-based international order.

UK pauses treaty operationalizing Mauritius sovereignty over Chagos for US discussions.

The UK has paused discussions with the U.S. regarding a treaty signed in May 2025 that recognizes Mauritius's sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. This pause is due to ongoing discussions with the U.S. concerning the long-term security of the joint UK-U.S. military base on Diego Garcia. The treaty, if operationalized, would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while granting the UK a 99-year lease for Diego Garcia. Concerns were reportedly raised by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested Diego Garcia might be needed in the event of a U.S. strike on Iran. The UK government is aiming to address potential threats from China if the treaty is not carefully considered.

The Chagos Archipelago has been a point of contention for decades, with Mauritius claiming sovereignty over the islands. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 2019 that the UK should relinquish control of the Chagos Archipelago. Despite this ruling, the UK has maintained its presence on Diego Garcia due to its strategic importance as a military base.

The pause in treaty discussions highlights the complex geopolitical considerations surrounding Diego Garcia. The UK's priority is to ensure the continued operation and security of the military base, while also addressing Mauritius's claim to sovereignty. The involvement of the U.S. further complicates the situation, given its strategic interests in the region.

This news is relevant for India as it highlights the complexities of international relations, sovereignty disputes, and the strategic importance of island territories. It is particularly relevant for UPSC aspirants studying International Relations (GS Paper 2) and Geography (GS Paper 1).

Key Facts

The UK has paused a bill operationalizing a treaty recognizing Mauritius's sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.

The treaty, signed in May 2025, would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius.

The UK would get a 99-year lease for Diego Garcia.

Diego Garcia is home to a joint UK-U.S. military base.

The pause follows concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump suggested Diego Garcia might be needed in the event of a U.S. strike on Iran.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2 (International Relations): Disputes over maritime boundaries and island territories

GS Paper 1 (Geography): Location and strategic importance of Diego Garcia

Potential questions on the role of the ICJ in resolving international disputes

In Simple Words

The UK has put a hold on finalizing a treaty with Mauritius about the Chagos Archipelago. This is because the U.S. wants to discuss it further. The islands include Diego Garcia, where the UK and U.S. have a joint military base.

India Angle

This situation is similar to how India balances its relationships with different countries when making decisions about its own islands or territories. For example, India considers regional stability and security concerns when developing its island territories.

For Instance

Think of it like a family deciding on a property sale where one member wants to consult with a close friend before agreeing. The UK is consulting with the U.S. before finalizing the Chagos treaty.

This situation shows how international agreements can be affected by the interests and concerns of powerful countries. It highlights the complexities of balancing sovereignty, security, and international relations.

International deals often depend on multiple countries agreeing, not just the two directly involved.

The UK has paused a bill operationalizing a treaty recognizing Mauritius's sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, due to ongoing discussions with the U.S. The treaty, signed in May 2025, would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while granting the UK a 99-year lease for Diego Garcia, home to a joint UK-U.S. military base.

The pause follows concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested Diego Garcia might be needed in the event of a U.S. strike on Iran.

The UK government aims to ensure the long-term security of the base, citing potential threats from China if the treaty is not addressed.

Expert Analysis

The pause in UK-U.S. discussions regarding the Chagos Archipelago treaty highlights several key concepts in international relations and law. The treaty, signed in May 2025, aimed to address the long-standing dispute over the islands while ensuring the continued operation of the Diego Garcia military base. The current situation underscores the complexities of balancing sovereignty claims with strategic security interests.

One crucial concept is Sovereignty, which refers to the supreme authority of a state to govern itself within its own territory. Mauritius claims sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, arguing that the UK's continued administration is a violation of international law. The UK, while acknowledging Mauritius's claim in principle through the May 2025 treaty, seeks to maintain control over Diego Garcia through a 99-year lease, reflecting its strategic interests and obligations to the U.S. This situation exemplifies the tension between a state's right to self-determination and the practical considerations of international security.

Another relevant concept is the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In 2019, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion stating that the UK should relinquish control of the Chagos Archipelago, finding that the separation of the islands from Mauritius in 1965 was unlawful. While ICJ advisory opinions are not legally binding, they carry significant moral and political weight. The UK's initial agreement to sign the treaty with Mauritius in May 2025 can be seen as a response to the ICJ's opinion, but the current pause indicates the ongoing challenges in implementing the court's recommendations.

The concept of Military Bases and Strategic Alliances is also central to this issue. Diego Garcia hosts a joint UK-U.S. military base that has been crucial for military operations in the Indian Ocean region. The U.S. concern, reportedly voiced by former President Trump, that Diego Garcia might be needed in the event of a conflict with Iran underscores the base's strategic importance. The UK's hesitation to fully operationalize the treaty with Mauritius reflects its commitment to maintaining this strategic alliance with the U.S. and ensuring the long-term security of the base, especially in light of potential threats from China.

For UPSC aspirants, this news highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between international law, sovereignty, and strategic interests. Questions in both Prelims and Mains can focus on the ICJ's role, the concept of sovereignty, and the strategic significance of island territories in the Indian Ocean. Aspirants should also be aware of the historical context of the Chagos Archipelago dispute and the implications for regional geopolitics.

Visual Insights

Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia

Map showing the location of the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, and its strategic importance.

Loading interactive map...

📍Diego Garcia📍Mauritius📍United Kingdom📍United States

More Information

Background

The dispute over the Chagos Archipelago dates back to the 1960s when the UK separated the islands from Mauritius, then a British colony, to create the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). This occurred shortly before Mauritius gained independence in 1968. The UK then leased Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, to the United States for the establishment of a military base. This base has been strategically important for U.S. military operations in the Indian Ocean and beyond. Mauritius has consistently challenged the UK's sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, arguing that the separation of the islands was a violation of international law and its right to self-determination. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) supported Mauritius's claim in its 2019 advisory opinion. The UK's agreement in May 2025 to cede sovereignty to Mauritius, while retaining a 99-year lease for Diego Garcia, was an attempt to balance its legal obligations with its strategic interests and its alliance with the U.S. The strategic importance of Diego Garcia stems from its location in the Indian Ocean, which makes it a valuable asset for projecting military power and monitoring maritime activity. The base has been used in various military operations, including those in the Middle East and Afghanistan. The current pause in treaty discussions reflects the ongoing negotiations between the UK and the U.S. to ensure the continued operation and security of the base, particularly in the context of rising geopolitical tensions in the region.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the issue of the Chagos Archipelago has gained renewed attention in international forums. The United Nations General Assembly has repeatedly called on the UK to relinquish control of the islands. Mauritius has also pursued legal avenues to assert its sovereignty, including challenging the UK's administration in international courts and tribunals.

The UK government has faced increasing pressure to comply with international law and address the historical injustices associated with the displacement of the Chagossian people. The Chagossians, who were forcibly removed from the islands in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for the military base, have been campaigning for their right to return. The UK government has offered compensation and resettlement packages, but these have been widely criticized as inadequate.

The current pause in treaty discussions suggests that the UK and the U.S. are seeking to recalibrate their approach to the Chagos Archipelago in light of these developments. The long-term future of the Diego Garcia military base and the resolution of the sovereignty dispute remain uncertain, but the issue is likely to remain a prominent feature of international relations in the Indian Ocean region.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the UK pausing the treaty discussions with the U.S. now, considering the treaty was signed in May 2025?

The UK is pausing discussions now due to ongoing discussions with the U.S. regarding the long-term security of the joint UK-U.S. military base on Diego Garcia. Concerns were reportedly raised by former U.S. President Donald Trump, and the UK government is aiming to address potential threats from China if the treaty is not carefully considered. So, it's about addressing these security concerns before fully operationalizing the treaty.

2. How might this situation regarding the Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia affect India's strategic interests in the Indian Ocean?

While the provided text doesn't explicitly mention a direct impact on India, here's how it *could* be relevant: * Regional Power Dynamics: Any change in the control or usage of Diego Garcia, a strategically important military base, inevitably affects the power dynamics in the Indian Ocean region, where India is a major player. * China's Influence: The UK's concern about potential threats from China if the treaty isn't carefully considered suggests a link to broader geopolitical strategies in the region. India is also wary of China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean. * International Law and Sovereignty: India generally supports the principles of decolonization and respect for international law. The Chagos issue touches upon these principles, and India's stance would likely align with calls for a fair resolution.

3. What specific detail related to the lease agreement between the UK and Mauritius over Diego Garcia is most likely to be tested in the Prelims exam?

The 99-year lease period is a prime candidate for a Prelims question. UPSC could frame a question like: 'The agreement between the UK and Mauritius regarding Diego Garcia stipulates a lease period of how many years?' with distractors like 50, 75, 125. examTip: Remember the '99' figure to avoid confusion.

Exam Tip

Remember the '99' figure to avoid confusion with other long-term agreements.

4. This situation sounds similar to other territorial disputes. What makes the Chagos Archipelago case unique?

Several factors make it unique: * Forced Displacement: The UK forcibly displaced the native Chagossians to create the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and lease Diego Garcia to the U.S. This element of forced displacement distinguishes it from many other territorial disputes. * ICJ Ruling: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that the UK's administration of the Chagos Archipelago is unlawful, adding a layer of international legal complexity. * Strategic Military Importance: Diego Garcia's significance as a joint UK-U.S. military base adds a major geopolitical dimension not present in all territorial disputes.

5. If a Mains question asks me to 'Critically examine the UK's handling of the Chagos Archipelago dispute,' what key arguments should I include?

A strong answer should include: * Violation of International Law: Discuss the ICJ ruling and UN resolutions that have condemned the UK's administration. * Human Rights Concerns: Highlight the forced displacement of the Chagossians and the denial of their right to return. * Strategic Interests vs. Moral Obligations: Analyze the tension between the UK's strategic alliance with the U.S. and its moral obligations to the Chagossians and the international community. * Geopolitical Implications: Examine the broader implications for decolonization efforts and the rules-based international order.

6. How does this situation fit into the larger trend of increasing scrutiny of colonial-era actions by European powers?

The Chagos Archipelago dispute is a prime example of the increasing scrutiny of colonial-era actions. There's a growing international movement to address historical injustices and hold former colonial powers accountable. This includes issues like: * Reparations: Calls for reparations for slavery and other colonial-era abuses are becoming more common. * Return of Artifacts: Many countries are demanding the return of cultural artifacts looted during colonial rule. * Re-evaluation of History: There's a growing effort to re-evaluate colonial history and challenge Eurocentric narratives.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Chagos Archipelago: 1. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion in 2019 stating that the UK should relinquish control of the Chagos Archipelago. 2. The UK signed a treaty in May 2025 to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius while retaining a 50-year lease for Diego Garcia. 3. Diego Garcia hosts a joint UK-U.S. military base that is strategically important for military operations in the Indian Ocean region. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The ICJ did issue an advisory opinion in 2019 stating that the UK should relinquish control of the Chagos Archipelago. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The UK signed a treaty in May 2025 to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius, but the lease retained was for 99 years, not 50 years. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Diego Garcia hosts a joint UK-U.S. military base that is strategically important for military operations in the Indian Ocean region.

2. Which of the following best describes the concept of sovereignty in the context of the Chagos Archipelago dispute?

A.The right of a state to exploit natural resources within its territory.
B.The supreme authority of a state to govern itself within its own territory, free from external interference.
C.The power of a state to enter into treaties with other nations.
D.The obligation of a state to protect the human rights of its citizens.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Sovereignty refers to the supreme authority of a state to govern itself within its own territory, free from external interference. In the Chagos Archipelago dispute, Mauritius claims sovereignty over the islands, arguing that the UK's continued administration is a violation of this principle.

3. Assertion (A): The UK's decision to pause treaty discussions with the U.S. regarding the Chagos Archipelago reflects the strategic importance of Diego Garcia. Reason (R): Diego Garcia hosts a joint UK-U.S. military base that is crucial for military operations in the Indian Ocean region. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C.A is true, but R is false.
D.A is false, but R is true.

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The UK's decision to pause treaty discussions is directly linked to the strategic importance of Diego Garcia and the military base it hosts.