In a significant diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated his willingness to support the United Kingdom's proposal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while ensuring the continued operation of the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.
The Chagos Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean, has been a point of contention for decades. The UK retained control of the islands after Mauritius gained independence in 1968, leading to ongoing disputes over sovereignty. The largest island, Diego Garcia, houses a major joint U.S.-UK military installation that plays a crucial role in military operations across the Middle East, South Asia, and the Indo-Pacific.
During a recent meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House, Trump expressed his optimism about the agreement. “We're going to have some discussions about that very soon, and I have a feeling it's going to work out very well,” he stated. He also highlighted the strategic importance of the Diego Garcia lease agreement, describing it as “very long, powerful,” and affirmed his inclination to back the UK’s proposal.
Trump’s endorsement of the deal comes at a crucial time for Prime Minister Starmer, who has faced domestic political pressure over the decision to transfer sovereignty. The agreement aims to balance the historical grievances of Mauritius while maintaining the Diego Garcia base’s operational status, which is a critical asset for both the UK and U.S. military strategy in the region.
However, concerns remain within certain U.S. defense circles about the broader geopolitical implications of the move. Some officials worry that ceding sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius could open avenues for increased Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, a region of growing strategic competition.
Despite these concerns, Trump’s remarks signal a step forward in formalizing the agreement. The next steps involve diplomatic and legal processes to finalize the terms of sovereignty transfer while securing long-term operational assurances for the Diego Garcia base. As discussions continue, both the UK and U.S. governments are expected to work closely to ensure a smooth transition that maintains regional stability and strategic interests.
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