Diego Garcia is an atoll — a ring-shaped island formed from a coral reef — just south of the equator. It is a territory of the United Kingdom and is home to a joint U.S./U.K. military base.

Ramgoolam knows its value. Diego Garcia served as a base for U.S. B-52 and B-1 bombers striking Iraq and Afghanistan and for tankers refueling U.S. aircraft throughout the region.

Starmer said the deal to secure the U.K.-U.S. military base in Diego Garcia — to be leased for more than $100 million a year — is vital for Britain's defense, intelligence and national security.