Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1, Clause 3, of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], for what reason Mauritius requires notification of (a) maintenance and (b) upgrades to UK equipment on the base.

As stated in Annex 1, paragraph 1 of the Treaty, the United Kingdom will have unrestricted ability to authorise the installation, operation, and repair of new and existing systems on Diego Garcia, without the need to give notification. In respect of the Chagos Archipelago beyond Diego Garcia, Annex 1, paragraph 3 states that the UK shall have rights of access to maintain and upgrade equipment after notification to Mauritius. There is no requirement to seek permission in either scenario.

With the robust security provisions negotiated under this agreement, the UK maintains full operational control of the military base on Diego Garcia.