US considers buying Chagos Islands: Report

The White House is reportedly considering a direct purchase of the Chagos Islands from Mauritius to secure control of the strategic Diego Garcia military base, bypassing Britain's stalled sovereignty transfer deal.

The White House is weighing a proposal to purchase the Chagos Islands directly from Mauritius, a move that would secure American control over the vital Diego Garcia military base and sidestep Britain's troubled sovereignty transfer plan.

US officials have drafted options for the Trump administration to negotiate directly with Mauritius for control of the Indian Ocean archipelago. The proposal, brought to President Donald Trump by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, would require the islands to first gain sovereign status, allowing direct US-Mauritius negotiations.

Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos chain, hosts a critical US-UK military facility used for long-range bomber missions, intelligence operations, and regional security operations across the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa. The base has supported US military operations from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, and recently served as a launch platform for strikes against Iranian targets.

The irony is staggering. Britain spent two years negotiating a deal to give the islands back. Now the US is saying: give them to us instead.

The UK had signed an agreement in May 2025 to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia base for 99 years at an annual cost of approximately £101 million. However, the deal was put on indefinite hold in April 2026 after the US withdrew its support. President Donald Trump called the plan "an act of great stupidity" and "a major mistake."

US officials have raised concerns about Mauritius's diplomatic ties with China and Iran, fearing that a transfer of sovereignty could increase espionage risks around the strategically sensitive base. Washington and London are working together "to preserve the viability of Diego Garcia as a regional security platform."

The purchase proposal is one of several options being considered by the White House, though it is not the leading plan at this stage. Any acquisition would require coordination with Britain and subsequent negotiations with Mauritius.

As the US considers buying the Chagos Islands to secure the Diego Garcia military base, The Silicon Review examines how this proposal could reshape the strategic balance in the Indian Ocean and challenge traditional UK-US alliance dynamics.

FAQ:

Q: Why does the US want to buy the Chagos Islands?
A: The US wants secure, long-term control of the Diego Garcia military base without relying on Britain's troubled sovereignty transfer deal with Mauritius.

Q: What is Diego Garcia and why is it important?
A: Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos chain hosting a vital US-UK military base used for long-range bomber missions and regional security operations.

Q: What happened to the UK-Mauritius deal on the Chagos Islands?
A: The deal was put on indefinite hold in April 2026 after the US withdrew its support following criticism from President Donald Trump.

Q: Who proposed the US purchase of the Chagos Islands?
A: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent brought the proposal to President Donald Trump, though it is not the leading option at this stage.

Q: What are US concerns about Mauritius controlling the islands?
A: US officials fear Mauritius has diplomatic ties with China and Iran, which could increase espionage risks around the strategically sensitive base.