US President Donald Trump has sparked a fresh diplomatic firestorm, extending his confrontational rhetoric from the Arctic into the heart of the Indian Ocean. In a series of public statements, Trump has sharply questioned the United Kingdom’s recent decision. This decision involves returning sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, including the strategically vital island of Diego Garcia, to Mauritius.
The move marks a significant shift in the region’s security architecture. Diego Garcia currently hosts one of the most critical US military bases in the world. Trump’s criticism, however, suggests that this decision is not just about a single island, but a perceived signal of Western “weakness.”
“An Act of Great Stupidity”: Trump’s Truth Social Outburst
On 20 January, Trump took to Truth Social to air his grievances against London. He lashed out at the UK government, describing the sovereignty handover as an act of “GREAT STUPIDITY” and a move made “FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER.”
Furthermore, Trump directly linked the Indian Ocean dispute to his long-standing and controversial campaign to acquire Greenland. He argued that the UK’s willingness to surrender territory highlights exactly why the United States must project strength and expand its own strategic holdings.
“There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness,” Trump asserted, claiming that under his leadership, the US is respected by international powers that “only recognize STRENGTH.”
The Strategic Heart of the Indian Ocean
To understand the intensity of the debate, one must look at the map. The Chagos Archipelago comprises 58 islands located roughly 500 km south of the Maldives. Diego Garcia, the largest island in the group, is the cornerstone of US and UK maritime security.
Military Utility: The base has been essential for long-range operations across Asia and the Middle East.
Decolonisation Process: Britain and Mauritius signed a treaty in May last year. This treaty recognised Mauritian sovereignty. It formally began a decolonisation process that has been sought for decades.
Current Status: The agreement is currently awaiting ratification in the British Parliament.
India’s Silent Support and Strategic Interests
Interestingly, while Trump’s rhetoric focuses on NATO and the Arctic, he has conspicuously ignored the role of India. Unlike the US President, New Delhi has openly supported the UK–Mauritius agreement.
India’s backing is rooted in its historical opposition to the region’s militarisation and its commitment to decolonisation. Additionally, India has a deep-seated wariness regarding the Diego Garcia base. This wariness stems from its rapid development after the Nixon administration deployed naval forces to the Bay of Bengal. This deployment occurred during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War to pressure India.
To solidify its influence and the security of the region, India has committed a $680 million economic and security assistance package to Mauritius. This funding supports:
Maritime surveillance and hydrographic surveys.
The development of the Chagos Marine Protected Area.
Strengthening Mauritian security capabilities.
A Brief History of a Disputed Archipelago
The Chagos Islands were uninhabited until the late 18th century. At that time, the French established coconut plantations. They used slave labour from Africa and India. In 1814, France ceded the islands to the British.
The modern conflict traces back to 1965, when the UK constituted the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), detaching Chagos from Mauritius just three years before the latter gained independence. In 1966, Britain signed an agreement with the US to make the territory available for mutual defence needs. By 1971, the plantations were shut down to make way for the military expansion that persists today.
Q&A: Trump, Diego Garcia, and the Global Power Struggle
Q: Why is Trump linking Diego Garcia to Greenland? A: Trump views territory through the lens of strategic real estate and “national strength.” He believes the UK’s decision to cede Chagos is a sign of decline, which he uses to justify his own policy of seeking more territory (like Greenland) to bolster American power.
Q: Does the return of sovereignty mean the US base will close? A: The treaty signed last year recognises Mauritian sovereignty but includes provisions to ensure the continued operation of the US military base on Diego Garcia. However, Trump perceives any change in legal ownership as a risk to American security.
Q: Why does India support Mauritius instead of the US/UK position? A: India views the handover as a necessary step for decolonisation. While India is a strategic partner of the US, it remains wary of unchecked military expansion in the Indian Ocean, especially given the historical context of the 1971 war.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Diego Garcia? It is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago and serves as a major US military base in the Indian Ocean.
When did the UK and Mauritius sign the treaty? The treaty was signed in May last year, though it is still awaiting ratification in the British Parliament.
How did the US get a base there? Britain made the land available to the US in 1966 for “defence needs.” The plantations on the island were closed in 1971 to facilitate the base’s construction.
What is India’s role in the Chagos handover? India has provided $680 million in aid to Mauritius and supports the return of sovereignty as part of its wider goal to be a security provider in the Indian Ocean.
Why did Trump call the move “weakness”? He believes that giving up territorial control emboldens rivals like China and Russia, who he claims only respect displays of military and political strength.
