US to discuss base with Mauritius as UK returns islandsWASHINGTON, United States, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The United States said Tuesday it would hold talks with Mauritius on retaining its military presence on an Indian Ocean archipelago being returned by Britain in a deal earlier denounced by President Donald Trump. The State Department said it would hold three days of talks next week in the Mauritian capital Port Louis on the strategic base at Diego Garcia. The talks will discuss "effective implementation of security arrangements for the base to ensure its long-term, secure operation," the State Department said in a statement. "The United States supports the decision of the United Kingdom to proceed with its agreement with Mauritius concerning the Chagos archipelago," it said. Britain had kept control of the Chagos Islands after Mauritius gained independence from Britain in the 1960s.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha February 18, 2026 04:46 UTC