US president Donald Trump expressed shock that the UK, a "great" NATO ally, was planning to hand over Diego Garcia island, home to a critical US military base, to Mauritius "for no reason". Trump posted his criticism on Truth Social on 19/1.

Diego Garcia is part of the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The island spans 30 square kilometers and hosts a strategic US and UK airbase in the region.

Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos archipelago and home to a strategic US and UK airbase in the Indian Ocean. Photo: *Reuters*

According to Trump, China and Russia have undoubtedly taken notice of the UK's action.

He added that the UK's concession of this vital territory is utterly foolish, serving as another example on a long list of national security reasons why the US must control Greenland.

Trump's post marks a significant shift in his stance, as he had previously expressed support for the UK returning the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.

The archipelago, located more than 2,400 kilometers south of India, is part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. The UK maintained control of Chagos after Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s.

In 2019, the International Court of Justice recommended that the UK should return the archipelago to Mauritius, following decades of legal disputes. In 5/2025, the UK and Mauritius reached an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, with the UK retaining control of the airbase on Diego Garcia under a long-term lease.

Trump initially expressed skepticism about the plan to return the islands. However, after meeting with UK prime minister Keir Starmer at the White House in 2/2025, he gave the green light to the agreement.

"I feel that deal will work out very well," the US president stated at the time. "The US will support the UK on this matter."

The White House and the US Department of State also issued statements welcoming the historic agreement between the UK and Mauritius. They praised efforts to ensure the long-term operation of the joint military base on Diego Garcia island.

When asked about Trump's criticism of the Chagos agreement, Darren Jones, an aide to UK prime minister Starmer, responded: "We have finalized the agreement with the government of Mauritius. We have completed the legislative process, agreed on the terms of the treaty, and the document has been signed."

Location of the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Graphic: *Britannica*

Prime minister Starmer had built a strong relationship with Trump, becoming the first leader to secure an agreement to reduce some tariffs with the US. However, this relationship has been strained recently due to disagreements over Trump's approach to Greenland.

Trump previously stated that the increasing presence of China and Russia makes Greenland critical for US security interests. He threatened to seize control of Greenland "one way or another", despite objections from many European countries.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)