Chagos: Donald Trump Considering Direct Purchase of the Archipelago from Mauritius

As discussions about the Chagos Islands continue among Mauritius, the United Kingdom, and the United States, a new proposal is reportedly emerging from Washington. According to information disclosed by the British newspaper The Telegraph, the White House is exploring several alternative scenarios to the plan for returning the archipelago to Mauritius, including a potential direct acquisition of the islands by the United States.

This plan, currently under consideration by the U.S. administration, particularly targets Diego Garcia, which hosts one of the most strategically important military bases for the U.S. in the Indian Ocean. American officials have reportedly developed a proposal that would allow Washington to negotiate directly with Mauritius, thereby bypassing the United Kingdom. This option is among various strategies being considered to maintain long-term control over this military installation deemed essential for U.S. national security.

The administration of President Donald Trump continues to express opposition to the British plan for transferring sovereignty. Earlier this year, the U.S. president referred to the agreement as a "big mistake," asserting that the United Kingdom should not relinquish the British Indian Ocean Territory, which includes the Anglo-American joint base at Diego Garcia.

This development comes as London suspended its plan to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in April. The British government argues that any solution must ensure the operational control and security of Diego Garcia, regarded as a major strategic asset for the defense interests of both the UK and the U.S.

According to various international media, U.S. concerns particularly revolve around the geopolitical implications of a transfer of sovereignty and the necessity to preserve Western military capabilities in the Indian Ocean. However, no decision has been announced at this stage, and the possibility of a direct purchase of the archipelago remains in the contemplation phase within the White House.

This new hypothesis could add an additional dimension to an already complex issue, intertwining matters of sovereignty, regional security, and decolonization.