US Eyes Chagos Islands Deal in Move to Secure Strategic Military Base

US Eyes Chagos Islands Deal in Move to Secure Strategic Military Base

The United States is reportedly considering a plan to acquire the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, in a development tied to its long-term strategic and military interests in the Indian Ocean.

According to The Telegraph, White House officials are exploring the possibility of negotiating directly with Mauritius, potentially bypassing the United Kingdom, which currently shares administrative control of the territory.

At the centre of the reported plan is Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, where the United States and United Kingdom jointly operate a key military base used for regional defence, surveillance, and intelligence operations.

The report said the discussions remain at an early stage, with no formal agreement reached and no public confirmation from the White House.

Reuters reported that the information could not be independently verified at the time of publication, while Mauritian authorities have not yet issued a response to the claims.

The Chagos Islands have long been at the centre of a sovereignty dispute between Britain and Mauritius, with both sides laying claim to the territory.

In 2021, a United Nations tribunal ruled that the United Kingdom’s continued administration of the islands was inconsistent with international law, reinforcing Mauritius’ position on sovereignty.

Despite that ruling, the UK has continued to maintain control of the islands in partnership with the United States, citing security and operational concerns linked to the base.

If pursued, any direct US-Mauritius agreement would likely trigger fresh diplomatic tensions involving Washington, London, and Port Louis, given the archipelago’s sensitive geopolitical role.