US Explores Options for Chagos Islands Amid Sovereignty Debate
Future of the Chagos Islands Under Review
The Biden administration is evaluating various strategies regarding the Chagos Islands, including a potential acquisition from Mauritius, as reported by a leading newspaper. This comes as US officials have prepared a document outlining alternatives to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's proposal, which suggests transferring sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius while ensuring continued access to the crucial Diego Garcia military base.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the US is considering its own arrangements for Diego Garcia, a joint military facility operated with the UK in the Indian Ocean. A US official noted that there have been ongoing discussions with British officials about the future of this base, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its role as a regional security asset.
While the idea of purchasing the islands is not the top choice for the current administration, it has been discussed with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who reportedly brought it to President Biden's attention. This conversation arises amidst heightened scrutiny of military infrastructure due to recent conflicts involving Iran and concerns over China's naval expansion.
Diego Garcia is viewed as a strategically vital location due to its position in the Indian Ocean. Some US officials have expressed worries that transferring sovereignty to Mauritius could pose security threats, including risks of maritime espionage. Ben Judah, a former adviser to the UK Foreign Secretary, emphasized the base's critical role, stating that it houses sensitive facilities essential for Britain's global operations.
No specific price has been mentioned for a potential acquisition of the islands. Under the UK's proposed plan, sovereignty would be transferred to Mauritius, with Britain leasing Diego Garcia back for military purposes, involving payments estimated at £35 billion over a 99-year period. Any US initiative to acquire the islands would necessitate Mauritius first gaining sovereignty before further negotiations could occur.
Initially, President Biden appeared to support Starmer’s proposal but later expressed opposition, labeling it a sign of weakness. He has criticized Starmer for perceived mismanagement of the island's strategic importance, particularly regarding military operations against Iran. The UK also depends on US cooperation to modify agreements established in the 1960s and 1970s that form the legal basis for the joint military base.
Mauritius has consistently contested Britain's claim over the Chagos Islands in international courts, with UK ministers anticipating a ruling from the International Court of Justice that would mandate a transfer of sovereignty. In May, UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer dismissed the notion of a US purchase, asserting that there is no scenario in which the US could acquire the islands and reaffirming the UK’s commitment to the existing agreement.