The United States is reportedly exploring a plan to acquire the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, according to a report by Reuters. The Maldives claims sovereignty over these Islands as well. These islands are also known in the Maldives as Fōlhavahi.
Citing The Telegraph, Reuters reported that U.S. officials are considering reaching a direct agreement with Mauritius without British involvement to secure control of Diego Garcia.
The proposal is said to be one of several options being examined by the White House as a way to counter British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
A U.S. official told Reuters that President Donald Trump remains opposed to Britain relinquishing the islands. The Chagos archipelago includes Diego Garcia, home to a major military base jointly used by the United States and the United Kingdom.
Trump reportedly described handing the islands to Mauritius as a “major mistake” in February.
According to Reuters, the official emphasized that Diego Garcia, located in the Indian Ocean, is a vital military facility and an essential component of U.S. national security.
The United States is continuing consultations with the United Kingdom to ensure the long-term security of the base, Reuters added.
A spokesperson for the British government said the UK’s control over the Diego Garcia military base is not under threat and that measures have been taken to safeguard national interests.
The spokesperson also stated that preventing U.S. adversaries from gaining influence over such a strategically important area remains a key objective.
For the past 60 years, Diego Garcia has served as a crucial strategic location for U.S.–UK security and military operations.
The British government has maintained that any agreement with Mauritius is designed to guarantee the long-term security and operational effectiveness of the base.
Reports that the United States may be considering acquiring the islands come as the Maldives continues to assert its claim over the territory. Mauritius has previously cut diplomatic ties with the Maldives over the sovereignty dispute. However, the current Maldivian government has not yet announced any significant progress in its efforts to pursue the claim, nor has it publicly indicated that any breakthrough has been achieved.
