Geopolitics – Trump Warns UK Against Long Lease Deal on Diego Garcia
Geopolitics – Former US President Donald Trump has publicly advised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reconsider any long-term lease arrangement involving Diego Garcia, the strategically vital island in the Indian Ocean that hosts a major joint US–UK military installation. Trump’s remarks come as discussions continue over a potential agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius concerning the Chagos archipelago.
Trump Raises Concerns Over Sovereignty and Control
In a post shared on his social media platform, Trump argued that entering into an extended lease agreement over sovereign territory could undermine British control of the island. He cautioned that a 100-year lease would amount to relinquishing authority over an asset he considers central to Western security interests.
While acknowledging the long-standing alliance between Washington and London, Trump suggested that such a move could weaken the United Kingdom’s position. He questioned the legitimacy of competing claims over Diego Garcia and expressed doubt about the basis of those assertions. According to Trump, the island should remain firmly under British control without conditions that might limit future flexibility.
Strategic Value of Diego Garcia Highlighted
Trump also linked the matter directly to broader regional security. He noted that Diego Garcia plays a crucial role in supporting military operations and deterrence strategies across the Indian Ocean and beyond. The base has historically been used to facilitate missions in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region.
He argued that, in the event of escalating tensions with adversarial states, the United States might require unrestricted access to facilities such as Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom. Any arrangement that complicates or limits operational readiness, he suggested, could pose risks not only to American interests but also to British and allied security.
Diplomatic Talks With Mauritius Underway
The comments surfaced shortly after the US State Department confirmed that American officials will participate in bilateral discussions with Mauritius in Port Louis from February 23 to 25. The meetings, led by the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, will include representatives from several US government agencies.
According to the State Department, the talks are intended to reinforce the importance of the Chagos archipelago and ensure the continued, secure functioning of the joint military base. Discussions are expected to focus on security cooperation and the long-term operational framework governing the facility.
At the same time, the United States reiterated that it supports the United Kingdom’s decision to move forward with its agreement with Mauritius regarding sovereignty matters tied to the archipelago. Washington has also expressed interest in finalizing a bilateral arrangement with London to guarantee ongoing access to base infrastructure in support of US national security objectives and regional stability.
White House Clarifies Administration Position
When asked whether Trump’s public remarks signaled a shift in policy, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that his comments reflect the official stance of the administration. She emphasized that statements made directly by the president on his platform should be regarded as authoritative expressions of policy.
Her remarks underscored the delicate balance between diplomatic engagement and strategic priorities as negotiations unfold.
Long-Standing Dispute Over the Chagos Archipelago
The Chagos archipelago, including Diego Garcia, has been at the center of a prolonged sovereignty dispute between the United Kingdom and Mauritius. Mauritius has long maintained that it has rightful claim to the territory, while the UK has administered the islands for decades.
Diego Garcia remains the most strategically significant island in the group. Its central location in the Indian Ocean allows for rapid deployment of military assets, maritime surveillance, and logistical support across critical sea lanes. The facility’s position makes it a focal point in broader discussions about Indo-Pacific security dynamics.
Regional powers, including India, are closely monitoring developments related to the island’s future governance. As geopolitical competition intensifies in the Indian Ocean, any change in the status or operational structure of Diego Garcia carries implications for security partnerships and regional stability.
The evolving dialogue among the United States, the United Kingdom, and Mauritius is therefore being watched not only for its diplomatic consequences but also for its broader impact on defense cooperation and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific.
Donald Trump, Keir Starmer, Diego Garcia, Chagos Archipelago, United Kingdom, Mauritius, United States, Indian Ocean security, US UK military base, Indo Pacific strategy,