The UK government has firmly denied that negotiations over the future of the Chagos Islands have been paused, after a senior minister’s comments appeared to suggest a temporary halt in discussions with Mauritius.

Speaking earlier this week, a minister indicated that aspects of the proposed agreement were being reconsidered, prompting speculation that talks over the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory had stalled.

However, officials subsequently clarified that negotiations remain active and ongoing, emphasising that no formal suspension has taken place.

Downing Street reiterated that the government remains committed to reaching a legally robust and mutually beneficial arrangement with Mauritius concerning the long-disputed archipelago.

The proposed framework under discussion is understood to involve the transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius while securing the continued operation of the strategically significant UK-US military base on Diego Garcia under a long-term lease arrangement.

The Chagos Islands have been at the centre of diplomatic and legal debate for decades.

Mauritius claims sovereignty over the territory, arguing it was unlawfully separated prior to independence in 1968. The UK has maintained administrative control but entered formal negotiations in recent years following international legal advisory opinions urging resolution of the dispute.

Officials stressed that complex issues, including defence cooperation, regional security and the future of displaced Chagossian communities, require detailed and careful negotiation.

They characterised recent remarks suggesting a pause as reflecting the evolving nature of talks rather than a breakdown in dialogue.

The government said it would update Parliament when appropriate but underlined that discussions with Mauritius are continuing as part of its broader diplomatic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.