The White House is reportedly exploring a plan to purchase the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, a move intended to bypass the United Kingdom and secure long-term control of the strategic Diego Garcia military base. According to reports from The Telegraph and Reuters, the proposal is one of several options currently under consideration by the Trump administration as an alternative to the British government’s stalled plan to cede sovereignty of the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Why is the U.S. considering purchasing the islands?
The primary driver behind the proposal is the strategic importance of the Diego Garcia atoll. A U.S. official told Reuters that the location remains a "vital and indispensable military installation of significant importance to the national security of the United States." By potentially purchasing the territory directly from Mauritius, the U.S. aims to ensure the continued viability of the joint U.S.-UK facility, which has faced uncertainty due to shifting British sovereignty plans.
President Donald Trump has been vocal about his opposition to the UK’s previous efforts to relinquish the territory, describing a potential deal to cede the islands as a "big mistake" in February 2026.
What is the current status of the sovereignty deal?
The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, had been in the process of negotiating the transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. However, according to The Telegraph and Reuters, the British government put these plans on hold in April 2026 after the United States withdrew its support for the deal.
While the White House remains in regular communication with Downing Street regarding the future of the base, the new proposal to bypass the UK suggests a shift in how the U.S. intends to manage its regional security interests. The reported plan, which was allegedly brought to the President by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, would require the islands to first be made sovereign, enabling direct negotiations between the U.S. and Mauritius.
Are there concerns regarding the proposal?
The potential acquisition is not without internal friction. The Telegraph reported that some officials within the Trump administration have expressed concerns regarding the prospect of Mauritius—an ally of China—gaining control of the territory, citing fears of potential espionage.
Meanwhile, the local perspective remains divided. A delegation from the Chagos Refugees Group visited the UK in early June 2026, expressing their support for the British government to finalize an agreement on the islands’ future. Members of the group stated that the issue had been "hijacked within the halls" of UK politics, emphasizing the human impact of the ongoing diplomatic stalemate.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Goal: The U.S. is seeking to secure the Diego Garcia military base, which it views as essential to national security.
- Diplomatic Shift: The proposed purchase would represent a move to bypass the UK, which had previously planned to cede the archipelago to Mauritius.
- Stalled Progress: British efforts to transfer sovereignty were officially put on hold in April 2026 following the loss of U.S. support.
- Official Stance: The White House and the UK Foreign Office have not provided immediate comment on the specific reports of a purchase plan, according to Reuters.