US May Attempt to Purchase Chagos Islands from Mauritius
US May Attempt to Purchase Chagos Islands from Mauritius
Updated at: June 8, 2026 at 06:01 AM
The Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, have become a major point of geopolitical tension.
At the heart of the issue is Diego Garcia, a vital joint US-UK military base that supports long-range operations and regional security.
While the UK had previously planned to transfer sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius, the process stalled in early 2026 after the US withdrew its support.
President Donald Trump and other officials voiced strong concerns, fearing that such a transfer could compromise security due to Mauritius' diplomatic links with nations like China and Iran.
Consequently, US officials are exploring alternative strategies to protect their interests, including a proposal for the United States to purchase the islands directly from Mauritius.
This move would bypass traditional UK-Mauritius negotiations.
While officials like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have discussed this option, it is not yet the primary policy.
The situation remains complex, balancing the strategic necessity of the military base against the long-standing sovereignty claims of Mauritius and the rights of the indigenous Chagossian population, who were forced to leave the islands decades ago.
