US Likely to Back Deal on Chagos Islands Military Base
Positive Signals from Trump Administration
Mauritius’ Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has described as "positive" US President Donald Trump’s comments signaling Washington’s likely backing of a deal over the future of a US-UK military base in the Chagos Islands.
Background on the Deal
The deal was struck in October, with Britain agreeing to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while retaining control under a 99-year lease of the military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island of the archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The deal had the backing of former US President Joe Biden, but has been mired in uncertainty since Trump’s re-election, with Ramgoolam, who was elected in November, also raising questions about it.
Trump’s Comments
Trump indicated his likely backing for the deal while meeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House on Thursday. "It looks positive. But, we will wait and see what are the final proposals," Ramgoolam told L’Hebdo, a weekly newspaper published on Sunday, referring to Trump’s comments on the deal. Trump told reporters he would discuss the agreement with Starmer but that he was hopeful "it’s going to work out very well." "I think we’ll be inclined to go along with your country," he told Starmer.
Britain’s Position
Britain had said it would give the Trump administration a chance to review the deal before finalising it. This decision was made after the US election, which saw Trump’s return to the White House. The deal is yet to be finalised with a formal treaty, and Mauritius has been waiting for the US to confirm its support.
Conclusion
The deal is a significant step forward in the long-standing dispute over the Chagos Islands, which has been a source of tension between the UK and Mauritius. The positive signals from the Trump administration suggest that the deal may be back on track. However, the final outcome will depend on the terms of the agreement and the level of support it receives from both countries.
FAQs
- What is the Chagos Islands deal?
The deal is an agreement between the UK and Mauritius to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while the UK retains control of the military base on Diego Garcia. - What is the status of the deal?
The deal is yet to be finalised with a formal treaty, and is pending US approval. - What is the significance of the deal?
The deal is a significant step forward in the long-standing dispute over the Chagos Islands, which has been a source of tension between the UK and Mauritius.