politics
April 14, 2026
UK halts Chagos handover to Mauritius amid US concerns
UK pauses transfer of Chagos Islands to Mauritius after US opposition. Talks continue as strategic concerns over the Diego Garcia base remain central
TL;DR
- The UK has paused the handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
- The decision requires US support due to the strategic importance of the joint military base on Diego Garcia.
- US President Donald Trump previously called the plan a "big mistake".
- The UK government stated that the agreement is contingent on US support.
- The Conservatives and Reform Party in the UK oppose the planned move.
- Mauritius will hold talks with UK officials on April 22.
- The UK acquired the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965 and leased Diego Garcia to the US in 1966.
- The Maldives has welcomed the pause, citing historical claims to the archipelago.
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