US Plans Acquisition of Chagos Islands from Mauritius to Ensure Control Over Diego Garcia

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US Plans Acquisition of Chagos Islands from Mauritius to Ensure Control Over Diego Garcia

1 hour ago

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INDIATIMES

REUTERS

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US Plans Acquisition of Chagos Islands from Mauritius to Ensure Control Over Diego Garcia

Credited from: REUTERS

The US is considering purchasing the Chagos Islands from Mauritius.
This move aims to secure control over the Diego Garcia military base.
Plans may bypass the UK in favor of a direct deal with Mauritius.
Concerns exist over the risks of transferring sovereignty to Mauritius.
Former President Trump criticized the UK-Mauritius arrangement as a mistake.

The White House is contemplating a proposal to acquire the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, potentially circumventing the UK's plan for sovereignty transfer. This approach is designed to secure the future of the strategically critical Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean, which is vital for long-range military operations, according to India Times, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.

The proposed acquisition stems from the US's concerns about potential security risks associated with Mauritius's ties to China and Iran. US officials have suggested that a direct purchase could mitigate possible surveillance threats following a sovereignty transfer, as outlined by the Trump administration, according to India Times and Reuters.

This proposal is one of several options being prepared as an alternative to the current UK-Mauritius agreement which has faced delays. While the UK previously agreed to transfer sovereignty while retaining control over Diego Garcia, the ongoing discussions indicate a potential shift in strategy prioritized by the US, as noted by India Times, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.