Washington explores direct purchase from Mauritius amid concerns over UK lease deal
US officials have drawn up proposals for America to buy the Chagos Islands outright, including the strategically vital Diego Garcia, according to a report in The Telegraph. The idea aims to give the United States full control over the joint UK-US military base without relying on a long-term lease arrangement with Mauritius.
The plan comes as the future of the base remains uncertain. Britain signed an agreement with Mauritius in May 2025 to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. Under that deal, the UK would keep operating rights on Diego Garcia through a 99-year lease, paying an average of about 101 million pounds per year. But the agreement has faced strong pushback from President Donald Trump, who has called it a mistake that could open the door to Chinese influence.
Why Diego Garcia Matters
Diego Garcia sits in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It serves as a major hub for US and UK forces, supporting long-range bomber operations, naval activities, and logistics across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The atoll offers deep-water ports and long runways that make it one of the most important military outposts for projecting power in the region.
Critics of the UK-Mauritius deal worry that handing sovereignty to Mauritius, which has close economic ties to China, could create risks. Even with a lease, future disputes or pressure from Beijing might limit access or compromise security around the base.
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Trump’s Stance and the Shelved Deal
President Trump has repeatedly criticized the arrangement. He urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer not to proceed, describing it as an act of weakness. The UK government later paused ratification of the deal amid the tensions.
The US proposal to buy the islands directly would bypass Britain after any sovereignty transfer and secure permanent American control. Sources told The Telegraph that no price has been discussed publicly, and the purchase idea is one of several options under review. No official confirmation has come from the White House or other governments yet.
Background on the Dispute
The Chagos Islands were detached from Mauritius by Britain in the 1960s to create the British Indian Ocean Territory. Many Chagossians were removed from their homes at that time. Mauritius has long claimed the islands, and international legal pressure mounted over the years.
The 2025 agreement was meant to resolve the dispute while protecting the base. It included payments to Mauritius and provisions for Chagossian resettlement on outer islands. Supporters said it secured the base long-term at a reasonable cost. Opponents, including some US lawmakers, argued it gave away too much leverage.
As discussions continue, the strategic importance of Diego Garcia keeps it front and center in transatlantic security talks. Whether through purchase, renegotiation, or another path, both Washington and London appear focused on ensuring the base stays fully operational and protected from outside interference.
