Starmer seeks Chagos Islands deal amid US concerns

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is actively pursuing a deal with Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands, which involves ceding control of the archipelago while retaining the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. In a recent call with Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, both leaders emphasized the need for strong protections against potential malign influence, particularly from China, during the deal's implementation. Starmer's commitment follows concerns from the Trump administration about the implications of the agreement for US national security, given the strategic location of the islands. The proposed deal, which could involve leasing Diego Garcia for up to 99 years at a significant cost, has faced scrutiny and calls for review from Ramgoolam's government. Despite these challenges, Starmer and Ramgoolam reiterated their commitment to the deal and expressed intentions to continue discussions soon. The evolving geopolitical landscape adds complexity to the negotiations, highlighting the delicate balance between regional security and diplomatic relations.