The military issue in Diego Garcia: Starmer and Trump seek consensus

MagicBean · 2026-02-13T14:01:36+00:00

Keir Starmer and Donald Trump discussed the military base in Diego Garcia, a sensitive issue in US-UK relations. Despite disagreements over its transfer to Mauritius, both leaders agreed to collaborate to maintain operations in the region.

MagicBean

2026-02-13 14:01:36

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The military issue involving the joint base in Diego Garcia has returned to the forefront of bilateral discussions between the United Kingdom and the United States. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call on Tuesday to address the strategic challenges surrounding the military installation. According to Jin10 agency, the dialogue reflected an attempt by both governments to align their positions on one of the most sensitive issues in the relationship between the two powers.

The strategic base at the center of diplomatic dispute

Diego Garcia, located approximately 2,000 miles off the coast of East Africa, represents a crucial point for military operations in the Indian Ocean. Historically, the UK had established an agreement to transfer control of the Chagos Archipelago—including the strategic island—to Mauritius, maintaining base operations through an annual fee. However, this military issue became more complex after recent reversals in stance, generating diplomatic tensions between allies.

Trump reverses his previous position and intensifies the military issue

Last week, President Trump unexpectedly criticized the transfer plan to Mauritius, marking a drastic shift from his earlier support. His condemnation was severe, describing the agreement as a “complete act of weakness” and “extremely foolish.” This turnaround introduced instability into negotiations and revived the military issue as a point of bilateral friction, leaving both sides in seemingly contradictory positions.

Ongoing cooperation despite disagreements

During the conversation, Starmer and Trump acknowledged the undeniable strategic importance of the military base and reached a consensus on the need for close collaboration. According to the UK side’s statement, both leaders agreed that their respective governments will continue working together to ensure the future operations of the installation. Although the long-term military issue remains unresolved, both pledged to maintain frequent dialogues to resolve differences and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

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