The United Kingdom has delayed plans to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius following objections from US President Donald Trump, a government spokesperson confirmed on April 11, 2026. The decision stalls a sovereignty agreement critical to maintaining the Diego Garcia military base, a strategic hub for US-UK operations in the Indian Ocean.
Legislation to formalize the transfer will not be introduced in the UK’s next parliamentary session, with officials stating progress depends on Washington’s explicit endorsement. "We continue to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the long-term future of the base," the spokesperson said. "But we will proceed only with US backing and are continuing to engage with both the US and Mauritius."
Trump has repeatedly criticized the deal, labeling it a "big mistake," despite earlier suggestions it was the most favorable outcome UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer could negotiate. Under the proposed terms, Britain would retain control of Diego Garcia through a 99-year lease, safeguarding continued US military activities.
The delay underscores persistent strains in US-UK coordination, particularly regarding shared security priorities in the Middle East and Indian Ocean. Analysts warn the impasse could complicate regional stability efforts and deter investors eyeing infrastructure projects linked to the base’s operations.
