US Opposition Halts Chagos Islands Sovereignty Transfer to Mauritius

The transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has stalled due to explicit opposition from the United States administration. UK officials acknowledge the agreement, which includes a 99-year lease for the joint military base on Diego Garcia, cannot proceed without American support.

Financial commitments to Mauritius, encompassing initial payments of £165 million and subsequent annual installments of £120 million, remain on hold. The UK government maintains the current treaty is non-viable in its present form, as Washington’s approval is a prerequisite for implementation.

US Rejection Blocks Deal

President Trump has described the proposed trilateral agreement as "terrible" during a meeting at the UN General Assembly. His strong objections, articulated in a recent statement, indicate a significant hurdle for the deal, which had previously secured US backing until a shift in the administration's stance.

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed on Wednesday that payments to Mauritius are suspended. He emphasized the necessity of aligning the deal with American support, stating that it "can’t go ahead without American support."

Diplomatic Path Forward

Despite the current impasse, the UK government continues to view a diplomatic resolution as essential for the long-term security of the strategically vital Diego Garcia facility. Officials indicate that while no immediate modifications to the existing deal are planned, the government intends to pursue further negotiations.

These discussions aim to reconcile the agreement with US security requirements. The goal remains to find a solution that ensures the future of the base, given Mauritius' claims to sovereignty over the archipelago.