Former UK minister predicts trouble over Indian Ocean islands deal
UKʼs plan to transfer Chagos Islands faces new obstacles as political landscape shifts in Washington. Deal includes long-term military base agreement but might hit roadblocks next year
A month after UKʼs decision about Chagos Islands hand-over to Mauritius former shadow-chancellor Ed Balls suggests upcoming complications. The deal announced in fall-2024 hasnt been fully completed yet‚ with treaty details still in works
This Chagos Islands thing is going to get messy
The situation might change when Donald Trump takes office: senior GOP members worry that the transfer could benefit China. While current US administration supports the agreement Reform UKʼs Nigel Farage (who met with Trump) expressed strong doubts
- UK keeps military base rights for 99-yrs
- Deal aims to avoid ICJ binding ruling
- Diego Garcia stays crucial for US-UK ops
- Mauritius gets sovereignty transfer
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty stated that “all parts of US system“ back the deal however former chancellor George Osborne points to possible issues ahead. He suggests that ministers position might become shaky — especially considering Trumps unpredictable nature and his connection with Farage
The Indian Ocean base serves as key strategic point for long-range aircraft and naval operations (making it vital for both UK and US interests). Biden team pushed for agreement completion before possible ICJ involvement could force less-favorable terms
