President Donald Trump expressed his inclination to support a deal between Britain and Mauritius concerning the fate of a U.S.-UK military base in the Chagos Islands, providing a boost for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This endorsement was signaled during their initial face-to-face discussions at the White House post-Trump's decisions that altered U.S. policy on various fronts.
A deal was struck in October by Britain to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while maintaining control of the military base on Diego Garcia, the archipelago's largest island, through a 99-year lease. Despite having initial endorsement from former U.S. President Joe Biden, the deal encountered uncertainty after Trump's re-election. The British government had indicated its willingness to present the deal to the Trump administration before finalization.
During a joint appearance with Starmer in the Oval Office, Trump hinted that he was likely to support the deal, stating that discussions would take place soon and expressing positive sentiments about the lease over Diego Garcia. Trump mentioned, "I think we'll be inclined to go along with your country. It's a little early, we have to be given the details, but it doesn't sound bad."
Starmer is expected to appreciate Trump's remarks, particularly in light of domestic scrutiny over the deal's cost and the relinquishment of British sovereignty over the islands. Recent developments had added uncertainty, as Mauritius' new prime minister questioned the agreement, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised concerns about China's influence in the region.
Historically, when Mauritius gained independence from Britain in the 1960s, the Chagos Islands remained under London's authority, resulting in the forced displacement of up to 2,000 individuals to make way for the Diego Garcia base.