The British government has announced a fresh examination of the proposed agreement to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This development follows sharp criticism from the American leadership regarding the arrangement.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the reassessment during media appearances on Wednesday. He indicated that London must re-evaluate the terms because the United States has withheld its backing for the current framework.
US President Donald Trump voiced his strong opposition to the arrangement during discussions at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Speaking directly to British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the American leader described the accord as unacceptable and suggested that the UK needed to reconsider its approach.
The original pact involved transferring sovereignty of the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius while leasing back the vital military facility on Diego Garcia. That strategic outpost, the largest island in the chain, operates as a joint defense installation utilized by both the United Kingdom and the United States.
Under the negotiated terms, London would make substantial annual lease payments to secure the long-term operational future of the base. However, the initiative faced an indefinite suspension earlier in the year after Washington withdrew its support.
Mr. Streeting emphasized that officials must collaborate closely with the American administration to adjust the framework. The primary objective remains safeguarding the security and permanence of the Diego Garcia military station, which both nations view as a critical national security asset.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed the situation during his diplomatic engagements in New York, stressing the importance of protecting defense interests. Prior to his departure for the United Nations summit, Mr. Burnham had also communicated with the Mauritian leadership to discuss the diplomatic path forward.
The initial transfer agreement had been signed in mid-2025 under the previous administration, though the necessary legislative steps to finalize the handover had not yet cleared Parliament. Domestic critics had previously raised concerns over the total financial commitments involved and potential geopolitical risks in the region.
With the review now officially underway, British officials have clarified that no financial disbursements will be made to Mauritius at this stage. The government's focus has shifted toward finding a mutually agreeable solution that satisfies the security requirements of all parties involved.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
