The islands, named after a Spanish navigator, have a basically symbolic British presence. The United Kingdom hands over the Chagos archipelago (and the massive US base on Diego Garcia island) to Mauritius (and to the Chinese fishing fleet).

In a treaty to “complete the process of decolonisation of Mauritius”, the Government has agreed to pay at least £120 million-a-year for 99 years for control of the vital Diego Garcia base, plus hand over £1.125 billion for economic development over a 25-year period.

India has expressed its support for the treaty signed between the United Kingdom and Mauritius, which aims to restore Mauritian sovereignty over the C

The United Kingdom agreed to cede its control over the Chagos Islands to the Republic of Mauritius in an agreement signed between the two countries on Thursday.

London/New Delhi, May 22 (IANS): Terming it as a "milestone achievement" and a "positive development for the region", India on Thursday welcomed the signing of the treaty between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.