UK pauses Chagos Islands transfer plan after opposition from Donald Trump

The UK has paused its plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius following opposition from Donald Trump, US President, putting a key geopolitical deal on hold. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is now seeking Washington’s approval, as the agreement hinges on continued US access to the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base under a proposed 99-year lease. The delay highlights growing tensions between London and Washington, particularly over defence and foreign policy decisions, while raising fresh questions about the future of the long-standing UK-US “special relationship” and security dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.