US Explores Direct Purchase of Chagos Islands to Secure Diego Garcia

Washington is weighing an unconventional proposal to bypass British sovereignty and purchase the Chagos Islands directly from Mauritius. The move aims to cement long-term control over the strategic Diego Garcia air base, as internal pressure mounts to circumvent the ongoing diplomatic transfer initiated by the UK government.

Editorial·June 8, 2026·reads: 3,250

The proposal emerges as an alternative to the current agreement between London and Port Louis, which would see the Indian Ocean archipelago transferred to Mauritian control. While the British government paused the handover in April, concerns persist within the White House regarding the security of the joint U.S.-British military facility. Officials are drafting several options to ensure the base remains operational, reflecting a desire to insulate the site from shifting political tides in Downing Street.

Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of the proposed sovereignty transfer, labeling the deal a significant strategic error earlier this year. With the White House engaged in ongoing discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration, the prospect of a direct purchase underscores the high stakes of maintaining a footprint in the region. Neither the White House nor the UK Foreign Office has offered immediate comment on the reported plan.