After Strike on Iran, Concerns Remain Over Diego Garcia’s Future
“The US naval Support Facility on Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory is recovering its stand-by status after hosting heightened operational activity during US operations against targets in Yemen and Iran in recent months.”
“Meanwhile in Washington, both the Heritage Foundation and the House Appropriations Committee have raised reservations about the British Indian Ocean Territory surrender of sovereignty, with commentator Nile Gardiner suggesting that ‘major red flags are being raised in Washington,’ and that both the President and the Vice President are having second thoughts about the deal, having previously assented to it.”
“The deal remains popular however with both China and India, which can befriend Mauritius, undermine the deal and exploit its weaknesses, without having to pay for a lease. The United Kingdom – which is struggling to maintain its single frigate permanently stationed in Bahrain – will be committed under the Treaty to paying Mauritius an annual rent of $220 million for each of the first three years, and then $160 million adjusted annually for inflation thereafter.”