US President Donald Trump has indicated his willingness to support Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s plan for the Chagos Islands, stating he is “inclined to go along with” the proposed agreement. The two leaders discussed the matter during their meeting at the White House on Thursday.
A historic agreement in the making
The UK is currently in negotiations with Mauritius over the transfer of sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory, which includes the Chagos Islands. As part of the deal, Britain aims to lease back the strategically crucial Diego Garcia military base, which is a key asset for the US military in the Indian Ocean.
Speaking ahead of their discussions, President Trump suggested a positive outcome was likely. “I have a feeling it’s going to work out very well,” he said, signalling that his administration may support the agreement.
In response to questions about the US stance, Mr Trump added, “I think we’ll be inclined to go along with your country.”
UK’s commitment to the deal
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has defended the agreement, insisting that it remains the best possible arrangement for all parties involved. However, he acknowledged that the deal would not proceed without US approval.
“If the US President does not like the deal, then it will not go forward,” Mr Lammy stated on Wednesday, underscoring the crucial role of American backing in finalising the transfer of sovereignty.
The UK’s commitment to the deal follows years of diplomatic pressure from Mauritius, which has long claimed the Chagos Islands as part of its territory. In 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled that the UK’s continued control over the islands was unlawful, urging Britain to hand them back to Mauritius. The UN General Assembly also passed a resolution supporting Mauritius’s claim.
Strategic importance of Diego Garcia
At the heart of the negotiations is Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos archipelago and home to a major US military base. The facility has been a crucial asset for American military operations, including missions in the Middle East and Asia.
Both the UK and the US see the base as essential to their strategic interests. The current deal seeks to ensure that Diego Garcia remains under Western military control, even if sovereignty is transferred to Mauritius.
Downing Street has repeatedly emphasised that British and US defence cooperation remains strong, and securing the long-term status of Diego Garcia is a priority in discussions with both Washington and Port Louis.
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Diplomatic sensitivities and future challenges
While Mr Trump’s remarks suggest a willingness to support the UK’s approach, negotiations are expected to continue behind closed doors to finalise the specifics of the agreement.
Some American officials have expressed concerns over how the change in sovereignty might impact security arrangements. The US has operated a military presence on Diego Garcia for decades and is keen to ensure that any transition does not disrupt its strategic operations in the region.
Meanwhile, opposition voices in the UK have raised questions about Britain’s handling of the Chagossian people, who were forcibly removed from the islands in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for the military base. Campaigners have long called for their right to return, and the sovereignty discussions have reignited debates over Britain’s colonial legacy.
A positive step forward?
With President Trump appearing open to supporting the deal, the UK government remains optimistic about reaching a final agreement that satisfies all parties.
Sir Keir Starmer’s meeting at the White House marks an important step in securing US approval, which remains pivotal to any future transition. The coming months will determine whether the deal is indeed the “best possible” outcome for Britain, Mauritius, and the longstanding US-UK military alliance.
