In a new development in global geopolitics, US President Donald Trump has shifted attention from his widely reported interest in Greenland to the strategically important island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, sparking diplomatic reactions and debate about foreign policy priorities.

Trump’s comments came as the United Kingdom and Mauritius continue working to ratify a treaty that would transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, back to Mauritius after decades of dispute. Under the current situation, Diego Garcia remains under British administration as part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). This island also hosts a significant United States military base, which is considered vital for US operations across Asia and the Middle East.

On Monday, Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to criticise the UK’s plans. In his post, he said, “Shockingly, our ‘brilliant’ NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital US Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER. There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness.”

Trump linked this criticism to his ongoing interest in acquiring Greenland, suggesting that the perceived weakness by Britain would embolden rival powers and weaken Western strategic positioning.

He continued his post by asserting: “The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired. These are International Powers only recognise STRENGTH, which is why the United States of America, under my leadership, is now, after only one year, respected like never before.”

Trump’s remarks reflect a broader critique of Western decisions regarding key territories and alliances, suggesting that such moves undermine US strategic interests. He made clear that his concern was not merely about land transfer, but also about how rivals like China and Russia might interpret those decisions.

While Trump did not mention India directly in his post, the island of Diego Garcia is of strategic interest to New Delhi as well, given India’s significant security interests in the Indian Ocean and ongoing concerns about China’s expanding naval presence. India has supported the UK-Mauritius agreement, which aims to resolve a long-standing dispute over the Chagos Archipelago and “decolonise” the territory by recognising Mauritius as the rightful sovereign owner.

The treaty between the UK and Mauritius was signed last May and is now going through the legislative ratification process in the British Parliament. This agreement marks a major shift after decades in which the UK administered the islands, including Diego Garcia, which it has held since 1965.

Historically, the base on Diego Garcia was developed into a key strategic hub by the United States during the Nixon administration in response to geopolitical needs in South Asia. Its location allows the US to project military power across the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region.

Importantly, India has backed Mauritius not only diplomatically but also through financial and security assistance. New Delhi has offered assistance worth about $680 million to help Mauritius manage its regained territory, including the development of the Chagos Marine Protected Area and cooperation in hydrographic surveys and satellite infrastructure.

The current debate comes at a time when discussions about US global military engagements and base locations are closely watched by allies and rivals alike. Trump’s pivot from Greenland to Diego Garcia highlights the interconnected nature of territorial strategy, national security concerns, and global geopolitical positioning.

Under the proposed treaty, although sovereignty would shift to Mauritius, the US is expected to retain access to the Diego Garcia base under existing agreements, including a 99-year lease reportedly renewed for an annual fee. However, Trump’s comments suggest he may prefer outright control rather than lease arrangements, similar to his controversial focus on Greenland.

As diplomatic processes continue, reactions from various governments and international observers are likely to shape how this issue unfolds in the broader framework of Indo-Pacific strategy and Western alliances.