The Story The Chagos Islands deal that could threaten the special relationship
Feb 5, 2025
George Grylls, Defence Correspondent for The Times, dives deep into the controversial Chagos Islands dispute. He explains the UK’s long-held sovereignty and the implications of ceding control to Mauritius. The conversation touches on the historical injustices faced by the Chagossians, as well as the strategic significance of the U.S. military base there. With China's increasing influence, Grylls highlights how these geopolitical tensions could threaten UK-US relations, especially with a potential shift in political leadership.
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The Chagos Islands Dispute
- The Chagos Islands, a British overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, are a strategically important location.
- They house a top-secret US military base and are at the center of a diplomatic row between the UK and US.
History of the Chagos Islands
- The Chagos Islands, strategically located, became British territory during the 19th century amid competition with France for control of the Indian Ocean.
- Though closer to the Maldives, they were grouped with Mauritius by British colonial administrators.
Expulsion of the Chagossians
- The Chagossians, descendants of African slaves, were forcibly expelled from the islands in the 1960s and 70s.
- This displacement was part of a deal between the UK and US to establish a military base.