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UK Slows Chagos Islands Agreement After Concerns Raised in Washington
Government signals further review of sovereignty transfer plan involving Diego Garcia base following criticism from allies including Donald Trump
The United Kingdom has slowed progress on its proposed agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, following criticism from figures in Washington, including former US President Donald Trump, over the implications for the joint UK–US military base on Diego Garcia.
Officials confirmed that while discussions with Mauritius remain ongoing, the pace of negotiations has eased to allow for additional consultations with allies.
The proposed arrangement would see Britain cede sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory while securing the continued long-term operation of the strategically vital Diego Garcia facility under a lease framework.
The base, jointly operated by the United Kingdom and the United States, plays a central role in Indo-Pacific security architecture, supporting logistics, surveillance and rapid deployment capabilities across the region.
Supporters of the agreement argue that it would resolve a longstanding territorial dispute while preserving operational control of the military installation.
However, concerns voiced in Washington — including by Donald Trump, who questioned the wisdom of altering the status of strategically sensitive territory — have prompted closer scrutiny of the timing and structure of the deal.
Advocates of a more cautious approach say any transfer of sovereignty must unequivocally safeguard Western defence interests and ensure uninterrupted access to Diego Garcia.
Downing Street has emphasised that national security considerations remain paramount and that no final agreement will be concluded without firm guarantees regarding defence operations.
Ministers have reiterated that negotiations are complex and must balance diplomatic, legal and strategic factors.
The Chagos Islands dispute has drawn international attention for years, with advisory opinions from international legal bodies urging Britain to resolve sovereignty questions.
The current pause in momentum reflects the government’s effort to reconcile diplomatic commitments with evolving geopolitical realities and allied security concerns.
Officials have indicated that discussions with both Mauritius and the United States will continue, underscoring that any final settlement must reinforce, rather than weaken, the strategic partnership underpinning operations at Diego Garcia.
Officials confirmed that while discussions with Mauritius remain ongoing, the pace of negotiations has eased to allow for additional consultations with allies.
The proposed arrangement would see Britain cede sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory while securing the continued long-term operation of the strategically vital Diego Garcia facility under a lease framework.
The base, jointly operated by the United Kingdom and the United States, plays a central role in Indo-Pacific security architecture, supporting logistics, surveillance and rapid deployment capabilities across the region.
Supporters of the agreement argue that it would resolve a longstanding territorial dispute while preserving operational control of the military installation.
However, concerns voiced in Washington — including by Donald Trump, who questioned the wisdom of altering the status of strategically sensitive territory — have prompted closer scrutiny of the timing and structure of the deal.
Advocates of a more cautious approach say any transfer of sovereignty must unequivocally safeguard Western defence interests and ensure uninterrupted access to Diego Garcia.
Downing Street has emphasised that national security considerations remain paramount and that no final agreement will be concluded without firm guarantees regarding defence operations.
Ministers have reiterated that negotiations are complex and must balance diplomatic, legal and strategic factors.
The Chagos Islands dispute has drawn international attention for years, with advisory opinions from international legal bodies urging Britain to resolve sovereignty questions.
The current pause in momentum reflects the government’s effort to reconcile diplomatic commitments with evolving geopolitical realities and allied security concerns.
Officials have indicated that discussions with both Mauritius and the United States will continue, underscoring that any final settlement must reinforce, rather than weaken, the strategic partnership underpinning operations at Diego Garcia.
