The United Kingdom has paused its planned agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew his support for the deal, creating a major setback for the long-anticipated sovereignty transfer.

The decision effectively halts legislation that was intended to formalise the transfer of the strategically significant archipelago, which includes Diego Garcia — a key joint UK–US military base used for operations across the Indian Ocean region. British officials indicated that the deal could not proceed without American backing, given the security arrangements tied to the base.

Trump had previously supported aspects of the agreement but later reversed his position, calling the proposed handover a “big mistake” and arguing that it could weaken Western strategic interests in the region. His opposition has since become a decisive factor in London’s decision to shelve the legislation for now.

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According to reports, the UK government had been preparing to move forward with the sovereignty transfer while retaining control of the Diego Garcia base under a long-term lease arrangement. However, concerns over diplomatic fallout and security coordination with Washington have now forced a reassessment of the plan.

The Chagos Islands dispute has long been a sensitive international issue, involving legal challenges, decolonisation arguments, and competing strategic interests. Mauritius claims sovereignty over the islands, while the UK has maintained control since separating them during the colonial era, leading to decades of diplomatic tension.

The latest development underscores how US political positions can directly influence allied foreign policy decisions, particularly when strategic military assets are involved. With the deal now on hold, the future of the Chagos Islands agreement remains uncertain, pending further negotiations between London, Washington, and Port Louis.

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