Maldives President Pitches Trump a Deal to Secure US Base in Chagos
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has proposed a deal to former US President Donald Trump to resolve the long-standing Chagos Islands dispute, a plan that would allow the US to retain its strategic military base on Diego Garcia.
Key Details of the Proposal
According to a Financial Times report, Muizzu made the pitch during a meeting with Trump in Milwaukee last month. The proposal has three main components:
- Mauritian Sovereignty: The Maldives would formally recognise Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago.
- US Long-Term Lease: In exchange, the US would secure a long-term lease to continue operating its Diego Garcia military base.
- Resettlement Fund: The US and Mauritius would establish a fund to support the resettlement of the indigenous Chagossian people, who were forcibly removed decades ago.
Strategic Stakes and Legal Pressure
The US base on Diego Garcia has been a critical asset for operations in the Middle East and Asia for decades. However, its future was clouded by a 2019 International Court of Justice ruling. The court stated Britain should end its administration of the islands and return them to Mauritius—a decision later endorsed by the UN General Assembly.
This has created a diplomatic deadlock, putting pressure on Britain to negotiate a handover while the US seeks to preserve its base.
Maldives’ Strategic Gambit
The Maldives, located roughly 500 km north of Diego Garcia, has a direct interest in the dispute due to proximity and maritime boundaries. Analysts see Muizzu’s move as a bid to position his nation as a mediator and to build favour with the US ahead of a potential second Trump term.
Muizzu, elected on an “India Out” platform, has shifted the Maldives closer to China. However, the report indicates he also views the US as a crucial counterbalance to both India and China in the Indian Ocean.
Unclear Response and Next Steps
The Financial Times notes it is unclear how Trump responded to the proposal or if he would advance it should he win the November election. The White House and Trump campaign did not immediately comment.
This proposal represents the latest effort to find a solution that addresses Mauritian claims and Chagossian rights while allowing the US to maintain its vital military footprint.
