UK Minister States Chagos Islands Treaty Impossible to Agree Politically Due to US Position Change

A UK Foreign Office minister announced that a treaty regarding the ceding of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has become impossible to agree at the political level. The minister, Stephen Doughty, informed the House of Commons of this development. He explained that the agreement was initially negotiated in close coordination with the United States.

Doughty stated that the US position appears to have changed. This shift in support from the US means the bill related to the treaty cannot complete its passage through parliament. The announcement came during a session in the Commons on April 13, 2026.

Sovereignty over the islands has been a point of contention, with Mauritius claiming them as part of its territory since independence in 1968.

Background of the Dispute In 2019, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion stating that the UK's detachment of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius during decolonization was unlawful.

These international developments prompted negotiations between the UK and Mauritius.

Initial talks involved input from the US to safeguard strategic interests in the region. The agreement was seen as a step toward addressing long-standing colonial legacies in the area. Affected parties include the displaced Chagossian population, who were removed from the islands in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for the military base.

Mauritius seeks full sovereignty, while the UK and US prioritize the base's security role. The failure to advance the treaty leaves these issues unresolved.

Implications for Legislation and Relations The bill, introduced to implement the treaty, will now stall in parliament.

This prevents ratification of the agreement in the near term. Parliamentary procedures require completion of all stages for legislation to become law. The change in US support under Donald Trump introduces uncertainty into bilateral relations.

Trump, who assumed office in January 2025, has expressed views on international agreements that differ from previous administrations. The minister noted that the initial coordination with the US no longer holds due to this apparent shift. Looking ahead, further diplomatic efforts may be needed to revisit the treaty.

Stakeholders, including Mauritius and affected communities, await clarity on next steps. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in balancing sovereignty claims with military and geopolitical interests.