UK denies Mauritius claims of potential double payments in Chagos deal

The ongoing negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands between the UK and Mauritius have raised significant concerns, particularly regarding the financial implications of a potential new deal. Recently, Navin Ramgoolam, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, suggested that under the renegotiated terms, payments from the UK could become 'inflation-proof' and potentially double what the UK previously agreed upon. The statements made by Ramgoolam during a speech in the National Assembly highlighted the urgency of revising terms to ensure that payments were aligned with inflation. His comments led to accusations from opposition Conservatives in the UK that Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has compromised British interests by holding discussions with Mauritius and proceeding with a deal that they deem unfavorable. Such claims have intensified the political discourse surrounding this sensitive issue. Ramgoolam informed the assembly of a recent conversation he held with Starmer, where he expressed confidence that the UK Prime Minister was keen to push ahead with negotiations. However, the UK Foreign Office promptly refuted Ramgoolam’s claims, asserting that the financial figures he presented were ‘entirely inaccurate and misleading’. This assertion reinforces the UK government’s position that any new treaty for the Chagos Islands must fundamentally align with its national interests. The implications of the deal extend beyond just economic considerations; they also encompass geopolitical stability since Diego Garcia, a key military base, is located in the archipelago. The proposed new terms require Mauritian consent for any lease extensions, a change from previous agreements that allowed unilateral extensions by the UK. Additionally, ongoing talks are under review by the new US administration, reflecting broader concerns about the strategic implications for military presence and influence in the Indian Ocean region. The complex interplay of these negotiations reveals the challenges faced by both governments as they navigate national interests and international security concerns, particularly amid concerns about China's growing influence in the area.