Mauritius has issued a warning to the United Kingdom over ongoing negotiations concerning the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, signaling a willingness to pursue legal action if the dispute is not resolved promptly. The countries remain deadlocked over an agreement involving the future status of the archipelago, which includes the strategically important Diego Garcia military base jointly operated by the UK and the United States.

Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam recently conveyed his government’s position to Jonathan Powell, the UK’s national security adviser, emphasizing that Mauritius’s claim to sovereignty over the Chagos Islands is non-negotiable. According to officials, Ramgoolam indicated that the failure to ratify a treaty addressing sovereignty issues has made the current situation unsustainable and warned that Mauritius would likely seek recourse through legal channels unless the matter is expeditiously addressed.

The dispute has intensified since the initial plan by the UK Labour government to cede sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius stalled, largely due to objections voiced by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump expressed concerns over the security implications for Diego Garcia, describing the proposed agreement as “terrible” and called for a review of the deal, effectively blocking progress on the transfer of sovereignty.

Last month, during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Trump publicly criticized the agreement, urging UK officials, specifically Andy Burnham, who is involved in the negotiations, to reconsider the arrangement. Subsequently, diplomatic talks were held in London between Ramgoolam and Powell, aimed at resolving the impasse.

Following their meeting, Mauritius reportedly briefed cabinet ministers, stressing the prime minister’s stance that the nation remains open to diplomatic dialogue but warned that the prospect of legal action, potentially before the International Court of Justice, remains a distinct possibility if no settlement is reached. This development raises concerns within the UK government about the potential for renewed legal challenges, as Mauritius has previously pursued its sovereignty claim through international legal bodies.

A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office reiterated that any agreement must safeguard British interests and obtain U.S. support. The spokesperson added that efforts continue to seek a diplomatic resolution in collaboration with both the United States and Mauritius.

The Chagos dispute revolves around the sovereignty of the islands, which were detached from Mauritius prior to its independence in 1968. The territory's disputed status has been a longstanding issue, complicated by the strategic importance of Diego Garcia, home to a significant military installation vital to both British and American defense interests.