The United Kingdom and Mauritius reached an historical agreement to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, a strategically significant archipelago in the Indian Ocean to hand over to Mauritius. The agreement allows Mauritius to regain sovereignty while ensuring the continued operation of the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.
Background
- Under Former PM Rishi Sunak government’s time negotiations were started for this agreement in 2022 and after 11 rounds of negotiations with the last government and with 2 rounds of negotiations with the present government made to finalize the decision.
Diego Garcia Strategic Outspot
- Diego Garcia hosts an important and strategic military base for the U.S. and U.K.
- There has been a dispute between Mauritius and the U.K. for a long time.
- This agreement secures its continued long term operational and also close a “potential” illegal migration route.
Key Points of the Agreement
Historic Agreement:
- The UK and Mauritius have reached a significant political agreement on the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.
Negotiation Process:
- After two years of negotiations, the agreement reflects the nation’s commitment to peaceful resolution and the rule of law, addressing outstanding disputes including the displacement of Chagossians.
Sovereignty Transfer:
- The UK will recognize Mauritius as the sovereign power over the Chagos Archipelago under a treaty to be finalized, ensuring the military base on Diego Garcia continues for 99 years.
Resettlement:
- Mauritius will be able to resettle Chagossians on islands other than Diego Garcia. A UK-funded trust will support the welfare of the displaced population.
Economic and Environmental Cooperation:
- The UK will offer financial support, including indexed annual payments, and collaborate with Mauritius on infrastructure projects, environmental protection, and maritime security.
Partnership for Security:
- Both countries will work together to maintain maritime security, tackle illegal fishing, and protect the environment in the region.
Global Support:
- The agreement was backed by international partners, including the U.S. and India.
Strategic Significance
- The base’s location in the Indian Ocean plays a pivotal role in regional and global security.
- It makes it essential for both Western alliances and countering China’s expanding influence in the region.
UK Foreign Secretary Remarks
- Their government inherited a situation where the long-term, secure operation of the Diego Garcia military base was under threat, with contested sovereignty and ongoing legal challenges.
- It will strengthen our role in safeguarding global security, shut down any possibility of the Indian Ocean being used as a dangerous illegal migration route to the U.K..
- As well as guaranteeing our long-term relationship with Mauritius, a close Commonwealth partner.
Remarks by MEA office of India
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs said this “significant” understanding completes the “decolonisation” of Mauritius.
- The resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute after two years of negotiations, in compliance with international law, is a welcome development.
- India has consistently supported the Mauritian claim for sovereignty over Chagos.
- It is in line with its principled stand on decolonisation and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, as well as its longstanding and close partnership with Mauritius, the MEA noted.
- India remains committed to working with Mauritius and other like-minded partners in strengthening maritime safety and security and contributing to enhanced peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region (IOR).
Role of India
- India played a quiet but important role in the background firmly backing the principled Mauritian position, supporting its stance on the need to do away with the last vestiges of decolonisation.
- At the same time, it consistently encouraged both sides to negotiate with an open mind and with a view to achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
- It is believed that the final outcome is a win for all sides involved and will reinforce long term security in the IOR.
USA’s Biden Remarks
- It is a clear demonstration that through diplomacy and partnership, countries can overcome long standing historical challenges to reach peaceful and mutually beneficial outcomes.
About Diego Garcia Island:
- It is a coral atoll, the largest and southernmost member of the Chagos Archipelago, in the central Indian Ocean.
- It is a part of the British Indian Ocean Territory.
- It consists of a V-shaped sand-fringed cay and its lagoon is open at the north end.
- This island was discovered by the Portuguese in the early 16th century.
About Chagos Archipelago:
- It is an island group located in the central Indian Ocean and is about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) south of the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent.
- Its key islands include the Diego Garcia atoll, Danger Island, Egmont Islands, Eagle Islands, Nelsons Island, Peros Banhos atoll. (Diego Garcia island, which houses a strategic US military base).
- Climate: It experiences a tropical marine climate with high temperatures and elevated humidity levels. The island’s climate is heavily moderated by the trade winds which blow over the islands.