US Chagos talks confirmed amid concerns over China’s expanding naval ambitions

The Trump administration is engaged in high-level discussions with Britain to ensure the long-term future of the Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean. These talks are occurring as the White House reportedly considers purchasing the Chagos Islands, where the base is located. This consideration is driven by concerns over China's growing naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. Britain had previously agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius, with provisions for continued British and American use of the facility.

Donald Trump is reportedly considering a plan to purchase the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, according to a report by the Telegraph. This potential proposal aims to secure US control over the Diego Garcia military base, as stalled UK plans to cede sovereignty of the territory to Mauritius have faltered. The White House has not commented on the report. The plan, reportedly put forth by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, would involve the US bypassing UK officials and negotiating directly with Mauritius, provided the islands are first made sovereign. Some US officials are reportedly concerned about Mauritius's ties to China. The discussions occur amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict, with Diego Garcia's strategic location in the Indian Ocean being relevant to US military operations against Iran.

The White House is reportedly considering a plan to purchase the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, according to a report by The Telegraph. US officials have allegedly drafted a proposal to negotiate directly with Mauritius, bypassing the United Kingdom, to gain control of Diego Garcia. This plan is one of several options being developed by the White House as alternatives to the UK ceding sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius. The White House has been in ongoing discussions with Downing Street regarding the future of Diego Garcia, which hosts a significant US-British airbase. Britain's government previously paused a deal to transfer sovereignty of the islands in April. Reuters has not yet confirmed the report, and neither the White House nor the UK Foreign Office immediately responded to requests for comment.