London Reaffirms Chagos Treaty Commitment on 22 April High Level Security Call

The British government has formally reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty agreement over the Chagos Archipelago, despite a temporary halt to necessary legislation in the UK Parliament.

In a high-level telephone call on 22 April 2026, UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell assured Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam that London remains dedicated to the accord.

The assurance comes as the UK government confirmed it will not proceed with the British Indian Ocean Territory (Diego Garcia) Bill during the current parliamentary session.

The Washington Deadlock

The delay in British legislation hinges on a specific administrative requirement from the United States.

British officials clarified that an “updated exchange of notes” between the UK and the US regarding the Diego Garcia military base is an indispensable prerequisite for the bill’s revival.

While relevant American agencies have already granted their approval for the updated notes, the process is currently awaiting the final signature of the US President.

The Mauritian Attorney General has been informed that London maintains regular contact with Washington to resolve this final hurdle.

Mauritian Strategy

Following a Council of Ministers meeting on Friday, Prime Minister Ramgoolam announced that Mauritius will not rush its next steps.

The government intends to re-evaluate the situation following the US–Africa Economic Summit, which Mauritius is scheduled to host from 26 to 29 July 2026.

Diplomatic Missions

The reaffirmation of the deal was further bolstered by a visiting delegation from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) this week.

Led by Robbie Bulloch, Director for Overseas Territories and Polar Regions, the delegation met with the Attorney General and representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office.

During these discussions, British officials reiterated that London’s commitment includes the entire archipelago and the strategic base at Diego Garcia, maintaining that the current legislative pause is a matter of timing rather than a change in policy.

Source: Defi Media