Politics
Mauritius’ Growing Ties with Russia Raise Chagos Concerns
The Telegraph reported that fears about the Chagos Islands are increasing as Mauritius moves to deepen its relationship with Russia. On May 18, 2025, the newspaper highlighted an agreement between Mauritius and Russia to boost cooperation in fishing and marine research. This development has raised alarm among some UK officials, given the UK’s decision to hand over control of the Chagos Islands.
The article features a photo of Russian Agriculture Minister Oksana Nikolaevna Lut meeting with Mauritian Foreign Minister Arvin Boolell during a visit last week.
According to Tony Diver, Associate Political Editor at The Telegraph, the two officials discussed closer collaboration on marine issues during their meeting in Port-Louis.
Some British observers worry that Mauritius’s increased engagement could lead to the island taking control of the Chagos archipelago, hosting a strategic US-UK military base on Diego Garcia.
The Telegraph also reported that Sir Keir Starmer has agreed to relinquish UK sovereignty over the archipelago and to lease Diego Garcia, the largest island, which contains the military base.
Critics argued that this arrangement could allow Mauritius’s allies to set up listening stations around Diego Garcia, potentially threatening the security of the base.
Further concerns arose last week after the meeting between Minister Lut and Minister Boolell.
Mauritius’s government said the two discussed strengthening cooperation in agriculture, research, irrigation, and fishing, building on a longstanding partnership focused on sustainable development.
Boolell also visited a historic Russian sailing ship docked in Mauritius, describing the trip as an opportunity to deepen collaboration in key sectors.
Once Mauritius takes control of the Chagos Islands, it will manage fishing rights and marine conservation in the region.
This announcement followed a similar meeting between Mauritius’s Prime Minister and China’s ambassador last week.
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary Priti Patel expressed concerns about the growing ties between Russia and Mauritius.
She told The Telegraph that it is “unthinkable” for the UK to cede one of its most strategic military assets to a country with agreements with Russia.
The final terms of the deal, which have not been made public, were expected to be announced earlier this month.
However, official sources said the announcement was delayed due to nervousness within Downing Street about how Members of Parliament would react.
Source: Defi Media
