UK Defends Chagos Islands Deal Amid Trump Criticism

World

The UK government has defended its £3.4 billion deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining control of the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, following sharp criticism from former US President Donald Trump.

Trump called the move an “act of great stupidity” and “total weakness” on social media, claiming it would compromise national security and suggesting China and Russia had taken notice. He also controversially referenced Greenland as a strategic alternative.

In response, the UK reaffirmed that it would never compromise national security, highlighting that the deal preserves the military base’s operations “for generations” and keeps its capabilities secure. Officials noted that the agreement continues to enjoy support from the US and Five Eyes allies, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

UK Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty said the government will engage with the US administration to clarify the “strength of the deal,” while Mauritius’ Attorney General Gavin Glover confirmed the country still expects the agreement to proceed, emphasizing that international law already recognises Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.

Signed in May 2025, the agreement allows the UK to lease back the strategic base on Diego Garcia, ensuring the site’s operational continuity while formally transferring sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius.