Mauritius threatens legal action against UK over Chagos Islands sovereignty

Mauritius has threatened legal action against the United Kingdom over delays in implementing a sovereignty deal for the Chagos Islands. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam stated that the sovereignty of the archipelago is ‘non negotiable’ and warned that Mauritius would pursue a legal route unless the matter is resolved expeditiously.

The dispute centers on the transfer of the islands to Mauritius, a deal that has faced significant hurdles due to opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump. During a meeting with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, President Trump criticized the agreement, calling it a ‘terrible deal.’

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged that the agreement likely cannot proceed without American support, noting that officials are currently reviewing the pact. The islands are of high strategic importance due to the presence of the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.