Written question asked by Mark Francois (Conservative) on Monday, 2 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 June 2025. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

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.

Answer: 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 56166
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Agreement, done at London and Port Louis on 22 May 2025, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Transferred: Yes
Subjects: Mauritius Sovereignty Chagos Islands
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk