After raising controversy over Greenland, former US President Donald Trump has now shifted attention to the Indian Ocean, specifically to a group of islands called the Chagos Archipelago. His comments about Diego Garcia have created tension between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Mauritius and the issue also affects India’s strategic interests.
What Is Diego Garcia and the Chagos Archipelago?
The Chagos Archipelago is a group of small islands in the central Indian Ocean, about 2,000 km away from Mauritius. The largest and most important island is Diego Garcia.
This island hosts a joint US–UK military base, which is one of the most important Western military facilities in the world.
Why Is Diego Garcia So Important?
The military base on Diego Garcia is used by the US and UK for major operations. It includes:
- Facilities for long-range bombers
- A naval logistics hub
- Satellite tracking and intelligence systems
- Storage of military equipment
The base played a major role in wars such as: Gulf War (1991), the Afghanistan War (2001) and the Iraq War (2003)
Because of its location, the US can monitor and respond to events across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East from this single base.
How Did the UK Get These Islands?
Originally, the Chagos Islands were part of Mauritius, which was a British colony.
Before giving Mauritius independence in 1968, the UK separated the Chagos Islands in 1965 and created a new territory called the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
To build the military base, the UK relocated the local people, called Chagossians, during the 1960s and 1970s. This forced removal is widely seen as a major violation of human rights.
What Does International Law Say?
Mauritius has long argued that the UK had no right to keep the islands.
In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the UK’s control over the islands was illegal and stated that the Chagos Islands should be returned to Mauritius.
The UN General Assembly also supported this view.
Though the ICJ ruling is advisory, it increased international pressure on the UK.
What Is the UK–Mauritius Deal Over Diego Garcia?
In May 2025, the UK and Mauritius agreed to resolve their dispute.
Key points of the deal: Sovereignty Transfer:
- The UK will return the entire Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.
- Military Lease: Mauritius will lease Diego Garcia back to the UK and US for 99 years, with the option to extend.
- Security Clause: No other foreign country can place military forces on the surrounding islands.
- Payments: The UK will pay Mauritius annual lease fees and support a trust fund for displaced Chagossians.
- Right of Return: Chagossians can return to some islands, but not to Diego Garcia due to military restrictions.
However, the deal still needs approval from the UK Parliament, so it is not yet fully legal
Why Is Trump Opposing the Deal Now?
Earlier, Trump and other US officials had supported the deal because the US would still control the Diego Garcia base.
But in January 2026, Trump changed his position and criticized the agreement, calling it an act of “great stupidity” and “weakness.”
He argues that:
- Giving sovereignty to Mauritius reduces Western control.
- China is expanding its influence in the Indian Ocean (ports in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and a base in Djibouti).
- In the future, Mauritius could move closer to China, which might threaten the US military base.
Trump believes even a small risk to US military dominance is unacceptable.
How Is the UK Responding?
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is defending the deal. The UK government says:
- The agreement secures the military base with a long-term lease.
- It follows international law and ends a colonial dispute.
- It prevents future legal challenges that could threaten the base more seriously.
According to the UK, the deal actually strengthens long-term security.
Why This Issue Matters Globally
The Chagos dispute is not just about small islands. It reflects the ongoing effects of decisions made during colonial times. It also shows the rising competition between major powers in the Indian Ocean. The rivalry between China and the US is extending into new areas. Tension exists between military interests and international law.
As Parliament in the UK debates the deal and Trump continues to attack it publicly, the future of the Chagos Islands remains politically sensitive and strategically important.
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