The United Kingdom has reportedly suspended plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, following opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to BBC, the British government has removed the legal bill required for the handover from Parliament’s schedule.

Officials indicate that the delay stems largely from concerns raised by the United States over the proposed agreement.

In May last year, the UK had agreed to return the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.

However, the arrangement included provisions allowing the UK to lease Diego Garcia, home to a key joint U.S.-UK military base, for 99 years.

The base remains strategically significant for American defense operations.

President Trump had strongly criticised the deal earlier this year, reportedly describing it as a “big mistake" and "act of great stupidity". 

Following his remarks on the social media platform Truth Social, the government of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer now believes it is difficult to proceed without U.S. backing.

The Chagos dispute dates back to the 1960s, when Mauritius gained independence but the UK retained control of the islands.

Thousands of residents were forcibly displaced during that period.

In 2019, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion stating that the Chagos Archipelago forms part of Mauritius and should be returned as soon as possible.

The issue has also drawn regional attention.

The Maldivian government previously rejected the UK’s decision to transfer Chagos, asserting its own sovereign claim over the islands.

The President confirmed that a formal letter had been sent to the British Prime Minister, and reiterated that all legal avenues would be pursued to defend the Maldives’ position.

In response, UK Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty stated in February that the matter remains strictly bilateral between the UK and Mauritius, urging the Maldives not to intervene.

Tensions escalated further when Mauritius announced the immediate suspension of diplomatic relations with the Maldives following renewed claims by Maldives over the archipelago.