US, Feb 06 : President Donald Trump said he held “very productive discussions” with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the future of Diego Garcia, a strategically located island hosting a key UK–US military base in the Indian Ocean, and asserted that Washington would not allow its presence there to be threatened.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the base as critical to American national security because of its central position and role in supporting global military operations. While acknowledging that Starmer had negotiated “the best he could” under the circumstances, Trump made clear that the United States would act decisively if its interests were put at risk.
“If the lease deal ever falls apart, or anyone threatens US operations and forces at our base, I retain the right to militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia,” he said, dismissing what he termed “fake claims” and environmental arguments against the facility.
The remarks come in the context of the 2025 UK–Mauritius treaty, under which Mauritius will gain full sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago while Britain retains control of Diego Garcia for an initial 99-year lease. London is expected to pay roughly £3.4 billion over the period, a move the UK government says resolves a long-running sovereignty dispute while safeguarding military operations.
Trump had earlier criticised the British decision, calling it an act of “great stupidity” and warning that global powers such as China and Russia would interpret the move as weakness. He argued that maintaining strong strategic positions remains essential for US security interests.
His stance contrasts with that of former President Joe Biden, who welcomed the agreement as a diplomatic breakthrough that balanced Mauritian sovereignty with continued operational authority for the UK and its allies on the island.
The Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill recently cleared its third reading in the UK Parliament, paving the way for implementation of the treaty.