Former US President Donald Trump announced that he had reached an understanding with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the UK's historic decision to return sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. In a statement reflecting a shift from his initial stance, Trump affirmed that he would strongly defend the strategic US military presence in the archipelago, specifically at the Diego Garcia base.
Following a conversation with Starmer, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: “I understand that Prime Minister Starmer reached the best possible agreement.” He added, warningly: “But if this lease fails in the near future, or if U.S. operations and forces at our base are threatened or endangered, I reserve the right to protect and enhance the U.S. military presence at Diego Garcia.”.
Historical background and long-standing conflict
The dispute over the Chagos Islands dates back to 1965, when Britain separated the archipelago from its former colony of Mauritius three years before Mauritius gained independence. London then created the British Indian Ocean Territory and forcibly expelled the archipelago's indigenous inhabitants, known as the Chagosians, between 1968 and 1973. This action paved the way for the establishment of a joint US military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago.
This issue remains an open wound in post-colonial history, with Chagosians waging long legal battles to claim their right of return. In 2019, the International Court of Justice issued a landmark advisory opinion declaring Britain’s continued administration of the islands illegal and demanding that it end its control “as soon as possible.”.
The strategic importance of the Diego Garcia base
Diego Garcia is a cornerstone of US and British military strategy in the Indian Ocean. Its unique geographic location provides a vital launchpad for air and naval operations in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. It played a pivotal role in the Gulf Wars and military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and serves as a crucial surveillance and intelligence hub for monitoring vital shipping lanes and the regional activities of rival powers.
Impact of the new agreement
The Starmer government’s decision to cede sovereignty to Mauritius represents a major shift in British foreign policy, ending decades of diplomatic dispute. Under the new agreement, the military base will continue to operate under a long-term lease (believed to be for 99 years), ensuring the continuity of strategic interests for both the United States and the United Kingdom. For Mauritius, the agreement is a historic victory for sovereignty. For the Chagos, it opens the door to a possible return to the Outer Islands, although their future remains uncertain. Trump’s understanding with Starmer demonstrates that shared security interests trump political differences, underscoring the pragmatic nature of the special relationship between Washington and London.
