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Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Asked by Mr Mark FrancoisConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 11 June 2025UIN 56166

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 2 of the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the agreement on the UK’s strategic role in the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

The International Organisations exchange of letters that was laid alongside the treaty states clearly that the UK's membership of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission (NIOHC) will change from a 'Full Member' to an 'Associate Member' following entry-into-force of the Diego Garcia Base Treaty. As an 'Associate Member' the UK will continue to be engaged with this important regional forum.

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