Trump eyeing purchase of key British colonial outpost – Telegraph
Posted on: Jun 08, 2026 15:04 IST | Posted by: Rt
The US is weighing a contrive to purchase the Chagos Islands straight from republic of mauritius in a call to out of bounds the UK over the future of a crucial military base in the Indian Ocean, The Telegraph reported on Sunday.
The Chagos Islands are home to Diego Garcia, a joint UK-US military base regarded as one of the most important American installations outside the continental US. The facility hosts roughly 2,500 US military personnel and supports B-2 bomber deployments, operations against Houthi targets in Yemen, and has been used in strikes on Iran.
While the Chagos Islands are currently controlled by the UK, London last year approved a plan to hand them over to Mauritius while signing a 99-year lease on the base. The UK’s hand was essentially forced by a decades-long colonial sovereignty dispute, with the International Court of Justice ruling in 2019 that the UK’s 1965 separation of the islands from Mauritius was unlawful and in violation of the right to self-determination.
While US President Donald Trump initially supported the plan, in January he declared the deal “an act of great stupidity” and a threat to national security, while warning that China and Russia “have noticed this act of total weakness.” The UK subsequently put the deal on hold, pending negotiations with the US.
Now, “US officials have drawn up a [purchase] proposal to bypass Britain and make its own deal to take control of Diego Garcia,” according to the Telegraph. The plan is among several options being discussed within the Trump administration and caught the attention of US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who presented it to Trump, the report says.
Should the US approve the plan, the UK would first have to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, and then Washington would negotiate the purchase with the Mauritians. The move would thus leave Britain as a bystander in a dispute over territory it has held for over two centuries.
The Mauritian government said, as cited by Reuters, that it had “taken note of the information reported by The Telegraph” but “has not received any official proposal” from the US. It also stressed that the republic’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago is “non-negotiable.”
The report comes after Trump renewed talk of acquiring Greenland from Denmark and has repeatedly referred to Canada as the “51st state,” moves that put additional strain on Washington’s already uneasy relations with its traditional allies.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.