WorldFactbook.ioFree API →

World Factbook

British Indian Ocean Territory

British Indian Ocean Territory

Last updated: 2026-03-28 (today)

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of the UK; on 22 May 2025, the United Kingdom and Mauritius signed an agreement that will lead to the transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius; under the agreement, the United Kingdom will lease Diego Garcia from Mauritius for 99 years and maintain full operational control of the joint UK-US military base

Military and security forces

no regular military forces