The Telegraph has learned of Britain's intention to transfer the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius

The United Kingdom plans to sign an agreement with Mauritius on the transfer of the Chagos Archipelago, which is located in the Southern Ocean, under its sovereignty. This was reported on May 22 by the British newspaper The Telegraph.

According to the publication, the procedure for transferring the territory will be conducted in an online format. The Prime Minister of the Kingdom, Keir Starmer, will take part in it.

The relevant deal, as specified, was concluded in October 2024. According to interstate agreements, Mauritius, receiving the Chagos Archipelago, agrees in return to ensure the continued presence of a British-American military base on it for the next 99 years. At the end of this period, London reserves the right to extend its presence on the island for another 40 years.

It is noted that the kingdom, as part of the agreement, will pay Mauritius approximately 9 billion pounds ($12 billion) for the use of the territory on which the military base stands.

The publication said that the American side, which was initially skeptical about the deal to transfer the island to Mauritius, later withdrew its objections after reviewing the details of the document. Presumably, the base may house strategic bombers necessary for conducting complex airstrikes.

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