Trump Blasts UK Over Diego Garcia Sovereignty Transfer
Former US President Donald Trump has launched a sharp attack on the United Kingdom. He criticized its decision to return the island of Diego Garcia to Mauritius. Trump made these comments in a Truth Social post on Monday.
Questioning UK's "Act of Weakness"
Trump called the UK's move an act of "great stupidity." He linked it to his earlier interest in acquiring Greenland. The former president claimed that Russia and China would notice this display of weakness.
"There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness," Trump wrote. He insisted that international powers only recognize strength.
Trump did not mention India in his post. However, India has significant security interests in the Indian Ocean region. New Delhi has quietly supported the UK-Mauritius agreement.
The Diego Garcia Agreement
The UK and Mauritius signed a treaty in May last year. This treaty recognizes Mauritius as the sovereign owner of the entire Chagos Archipelago. Diego Garcia forms part of this archipelago.
The agreement currently awaits ratification in the British parliament. It marks a major step in the decolonization process that Mauritius has long pursued.
India has backed Mauritius in this effort. The island nation fought for decades to regain control of its territory.
India's Strategic Interests and Historical Context
For India, the Diego Garcia issue carries historical weight. The United States established a military base there during the Nixon administration.
During the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the US deployed a naval task force to the Bay of Bengal. This move aimed to intimidate India. India stood firm and helped create Bangladesh before the USS Enterprise could arrive.
That experience convinced US strategists to develop Diego Garcia into a major base. They wanted a stronger presence in the Indian Ocean region.
India has traditionally expressed concern about militarization in the Indian Ocean. New Delhi views the area as within its sphere of influence. Recently, India's worries have shifted more toward China's expanding presence.
India-Mauritius Security Cooperation
India is providing Mauritius with substantial support. This includes a $680 million economic and security package. The assistance will help Mauritius manage its regained territory.
The two countries have reached several important agreements:
- India will establish a satellite station in the Chagos Archipelago
- India will conduct hydrographic surveys in the area
- Both nations will collaborate on developing the "Chagos Marine Protected Area"
These arrangements strengthen India's strategic position in the Indian Ocean. They also support Mauritius in exercising its sovereignty.
Trump's Intervention and Potential Consequences
Trump's sudden criticism now threatens these carefully negotiated agreements. The former president appears to prefer outright ownership rather than lease arrangements.
Under the current plan, the US maintains access to Diego Garcia through a 99-year lease. Mauritius reportedly receives $100 million annually for this arrangement.
Trump's comments echo his earlier position on Greenland. He wanted the United States to acquire the territory rather than work through existing agreements.
This development comes as India has improved its defense ties with the United States. Both countries now cooperate closely in naval matters. However, Trump's intervention creates uncertainty about Diego Garcia's future status.
The situation highlights competing interests in the strategically vital Indian Ocean region. India seeks to counter Chinese influence while maintaining its historical ties with Mauritius. The United States wants to preserve its military capabilities. Mauritius aims to exercise full sovereignty over its territory.
Trump's remarks add another layer of complexity to these already delicate negotiations. All parties now watch how the UK parliament proceeds with ratifying the treaty.
