US Opposition Halts Island Transfer
The United Kingdom has put its plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius on hold after failing to secure the backing of the United States. The decision follows criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who initially appeared to accept the deal. The planned legislation to cede the islands to Mauritius will not be included in the government’s next parliamentary agenda, starting on May 13.
Strategic Military Importance
The Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, are home to the Diego Garcia military base, which is jointly operated by the UK and the U.S. The base has been a key strategic military asset for both countries, playing a role in operations in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The UK government said that ensuring the long-term operational security of Diego Garcia remains a priority.
The Proposed Agreement
Last year, the UK and Mauritius announced a deal to return full sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Under the agreement, Britain would retain control of the military base on Diego Garcia through a 99-year lease. The deal required formal approval from Washington. A British government spokesperson said that they "continue to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the long-term future of the base" but would only proceed with US support.
Trump's Shifting Stance
Trump initially called the deal "an act of great stupidity" in January. After speaking with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in February, Trump said Starmer had made the "best deal he could make." However, he later attacked the prime minister on Truth Social, writing that ceding the Chagos Islands would be "a blight on our Great Ally."
Mauritius Vows to Continue Fight
Mauritius, located about 1,200 miles from the Chagos Islands, has pledged to continue its efforts to regain control of the archipelago. Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful said that his government would "spare no effort to seize any diplomatic or legal avenue to complete the decolonization process in this part of the Indian Ocean." He added, "This is a matter of justice."
Chagossians' Plight
The indigenous Chagossians, 2,000 of whom were displaced in the 1960s and 70s to make way for the military base, also criticized the change of plan. Toby Noskwith, spokesperson for the Indigenous Chagossian People campaign group, said, "We are astonished to have come to this point... the people who have been lost throughout the process are the Chagossians, particularly elders and survivors."
Strained UK-US Relations
Trump's second presidency has seen the "special relationship" between the UK and the US strained. Simon McDonald, previously the most senior civil servant in the Foreign Office, told BBC radio that Trump's position forced the agreement to "go into the deep freeze for the time being." The UK is leading a coalition of more than 30 countries to protect vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, without US participation in the initial talks.
Future of the Deal
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said London would try to persuade Washington to give its formal approval. The UK government said in a statement, "We are continuing to engage with the U.S. and Mauritius." The Chagos Islands have been under British control since 1814, even after Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s, making this a dispute that will likely continue through diplomatic and legal channels.
The sources also report that Chagossians, the indigenous people displaced for the base, have pursued compensation claims leading to a 2019 International Court of Justice recommendation to return the archipelago to Mauritius.