Summary
President Donald Trump criticized the United Kingdom's decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. He stated this move could harm U.S. national security due to the importance of the American military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island. The UK will transfer sovereignty in 2025 but lease back Diego Garcia for military use.
Key Facts
- The Chagos Islands are located in the Indian Ocean, between Africa and Indonesia.
- Diego Garcia, the largest island, hosts a major U.S. military base.
- The UK separated the Chagos Islands from Mauritius before Mauritian independence in 1968.
- Thousands of indigenous Chagossians were expelled by the UK in the 1960s and 1970s.
- A deal was made for the UK to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius in 2025.
- The agreement includes leasing Diego Garcia back to the UK and U.S. for 99 years.
- President Trump voiced concerns that this move weakens U.S. strategic interests.
- Despite U.S. consultation, Trump believes the decision shows weakness to global adversaries.
