Chagos Islands Deal Hinges on US Support, Streeting Says 2026

The Chagos Islands deal between the UK and Mauritius cannot go ahead without US support, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has said. The agreement, which would transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, is now in doubt after former President Donald Trump refused to back it. Streeting confirmed that annual payments worth at least £120m to Mauritius are on hold as the government reconsiders the deal.

What Is the Chagos Islands Deal?

Last year, the UK signed a treaty to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while keeping control of the Diego Garcia base under a 99-year lease. The deal included payments to Mauritius: £165m for the first three years, followed by £120m annually from the fourth year. The base is strategically vital for both the UK and the US, providing capabilities for national and collective security.

Why US Support Is Critical

Streeting emphasised that without American backing, the deal cannot proceed. "This deal as it is currently constituted can't go ahead without American support," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. The US operates the Diego Garcia base jointly with the UK, and its cooperation is essential for the base's long-term future. The UK government is now seeking to renegotiate terms that would satisfy all parties, including the US and Mauritius.

Payments on Hold

The annual payments to Mauritius, which were set to begin under the treaty, will not be made "at this stage," according to Streeting. He stated that the payments would be a "price worth paying" if they secured Britain's long-term ability to operate from Diego Garcia. The government is reassessing the financial commitments amid the uncertainty over US support.

Implications for UK-Mauritius Relations

The delay in payments and the uncertain future of the deal could strain relations between the UK and Mauritius. Mauritius has long claimed sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, and the treaty was seen as a resolution to a decades-old dispute. However, without US support, the deal's viability is in question, leaving both nations in a precarious position.

Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia

Diego Garcia is a critical military asset for the US and UK, enabling operations in the Indian Ocean and beyond. The base supports a range of missions, from logistics to reconnaissance. Any disruption to its status could have significant geopolitical consequences, which is why the UK is keen to secure a deal that guarantees its continued use.

Comparison of Deal Terms

Key Takeaways

• The Chagos Islands deal cannot proceed without US support, per Defence Secretary Streeting.
• Annual payments to Mauritius are on hold, pending renegotiation.
• The Diego Garcia base is strategically vital for UK and US security.
• The UK government is seeking a deal that satisfies all parties.

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