The UK government has confirmed it will delay finalizing a deal to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius until the incoming Trump administration has had an opportunity to review the implications for the strategic military base on Diego Garcia. Concerns have been raised by Trump allies about the potential impact on US interests in the Indian Ocean, particularly regarding Chinese influence.
Previously, UK ministers aimed to secure an agreement with Mauritius before Trump’s inauguration. However, when questioned about Mauritius seeking further negotiations, Keir Starmer’s spokesperson stated that any deal must serve the UK’s best interests and national security. The spokesperson emphasized that it was reasonable for the new US administration to review the agreement but dismissed the idea that Trump would have a “veto” over the decision.
Mauritius has sent a delegation back to London for more discussions, seeking additional concessions. The UK’s plan involves transferring sovereignty to Mauritius while leasing back Diego Garcia, which the US uses, at a reported annual cost of £90 million for 99 years. The UK argues that respecting international court rulings in favor of Mauritian sovereignty is necessary to ensure the continued operation of the base.
Negotiations began under a previous Conservative government, but Trump’s election and a change in the Mauritian government have stalled progress. Key Trump appointees Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz have criticized the plan, although Joe Biden had expressed support.
In parliamentary exchanges, Starmer defended the deal, stating it safeguarded the military base’s long-term operation amid legal challenges. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the agreement as a “secret deal” that undermines British sovereignty and burdens taxpayers. Her spokesperson later clarified that while initiating talks was not a mistake, the current state of negotiations under Labour is problematic, and the deal being pursued is inadequate.
