The dispute over the sovereignty of Diego Garcia Island: Starmer and Trump seek consensus on Mauricio

Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, and Donald Trump, the U.S. President, held a phone conversation on Tuesday to address the crucial issue regarding the future of Diego Garcia Island and its potential transfer to Mauritius. This diplomatic exchange reflects the geopolitical complexities surrounding the joint military base, strategically located in the Indian Ocean approximately 2,000 miles off the east coast of Africa.

The Turning Point: Change in Stance on Mauritius

Tensions between London and Washington intensified last month when Trump unexpectedly altered his position regarding the plan to transfer Diego Garcia Island to Mauritius. What previously appeared to be a solid bilateral agreement became controversial when the U.S. President described the plan as “a complete act of weakness” and “extremely stupid.” This unexpected criticism contradicted his prior support for Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.

Recognition of Strategic Importance

During Tuesday’s conversation, both leaders acknowledged the strategic significance of the island for joint military operations. According to the official British statement, Starmer and Trump agreed that their respective governments would continue to collaborate closely to ensure the future operation of the facility. This stance suggests that, beyond disagreements over Mauritius, there is a fundamental consensus on the need to maintain operational capabilities.

The Framework of the Original Agreement

The historic agreement stipulated that the United Kingdom would transfer control of the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia Island, to Mauritius. However, the British administration reserved the right to maintain military operations on the island through an annual compensation. This arrangement reflected a balance between recognizing Mauritius’ sovereignty and preserving British and American security interests in a geopolitically sensitive region.

Next Steps in Bilateral Cooperation

Both leaders agreed to maintain frequent communication in the coming days to resolve discrepancies regarding the future of Mauritius and the island. The continuation of dialogue suggests that, despite recent disagreements, there is political will to find a solution that satisfies the interests of both Western powers, while simultaneously ensuring the functionality of the strategic military base.