US Scrutinizes UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands Deal Over Security Concerns

Trump administration reviews agreement to transfer Chagos sovereignty, citing risks to Diego Garcia base and potential Chinese influence.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised concerns about the UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands deal during his first call with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, emphasizing potential threats to US security interests.
The Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, host a critical US military base in the Indian Ocean, which Rubio fears could be compromised by Chinese intelligence activities under Mauritius' control.
The UK government argues the agreement safeguards the Diego Garcia base while resolving international disputes over the islands' sovereignty.
Mauritius has assured the US and UK that the deal would prevent third-party influence, including from China and Iran, and has sought improved terms since the election of its new prime minister, Navin Ramgoolam.
The agreement, initially supported by the Biden administration, is now under review by Trump’s administration, with further discussions anticipated between US and UK officials.