In a landmark move that reverberates through the annals of colonial history and international diplomacy, the United Kingdom has formally agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The agreement, signed on May 22, 2025, and stemming from a UK High Court ruling, signifies the culmination of decades of legal battles and a substantial advance in Mauritius' decolonization.
While the deal ensures the continued operation of the vital US-UK military base on Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease, its broader implications for regional dynamics, particularly for India, are profound.
Chagos Archipelago's Colonial History
The Chagos Archipelago, a remote chain of over 60 islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean (off the southern tip of India and to the south of the Maldives), boasts a history etched with colonial ambitions and the forced displacement of its indigenous people, the Chagossians.
Discovered by Portuguese navigators in the 16th century, the islands later fell under French control, administered as part of Isle de France (Mauritius).
Following Napoleon's defeat in 1814, the Chagos and Mauritius were ceded to the British under the Treaty of Paris.
The heart of the dispute began in 1965, just three years before Mauritius gained independence.
The UK controversially detached the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius to form the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
This move was primarily to facilitate the establishment of a strategic US military base on Diego Garcia, the largest and most significant island. It monitors the Malacca Strait and essential global trade routes, especially energy supplies.
It also supported US military operations ranging from the Vietnam War to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Between 1967 and 1973, approximately 2,500 Chagossians were forcibly removed from their homes and exiled, primarily to Mauritius, Seychelles, and the UK, to make way for the base.
Mauritius consistently challenged this separation, arguing it was an illegal act that violated UN resolutions on self-determination.
Over the years, international legal bodies, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2019 and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, largely sided with Mauritius, declaring the UK's continued administration unlawful and urging its return.
These rulings put immense diplomatic pressure on the UK, ultimately leading to the recent agreement.
Significance of the Handover
The handover is hailed by Mauritius as a 'great victory' and a completion of its decolonization. It grants Mauritius sovereignty over the entire archipelago, including Diego Garcia.
For the UK, the agreement secures the future of the critical US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, which has served as a pivotal logistics and intelligence hub for operations across the Middle East, Indo-Pacific, and Africa for over 50 years.
Under the deal, the UK will lease back the base for at least 99 years, paying Mauritius an annual average of £101 million. The UK and US view this arrangement as a 'win-win,' balancing Mauritian sovereignty with their strategic security interests.
However, the deal has faced criticism.
Some Chagossians express concerns about the agreement's terms, particularly regarding their right to return and resettlement efforts, arguing they were not sufficiently consulted.
Within the UK, some opposition parties have criticized the deal as costly and potentially playing into the hands of China, given Mauritius' close ties with Beijing.
India's Stand on the Handover
India has consistently and unequivocally supported Mauritius's legitimate claim over the Chagos Archipelago.
This stance aligns with India's principled position on decolonization, respect for national sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of nations.
India welcomed the handover, calling it a 'milestone achievement and a positive development for the region' and a 'culmination of the process of decolonisation of Mauritius in the spirit of international law and rules-based order.'
The significance of the Chagos Islands for India is multifaceted:
- Geopolitical Stability in the Indian Ocean: The Indian Ocean is a critical maritime trade route and a growing arena of geopolitical competition. India, as a major power in the region, has a vested interest in maintaining peace, stability, and a rules-based order. The resolution of a long-standing colonial dispute in its immediate neighborhood strengthens regional stability.
- Decolonization and International Law: India's consistent support for Mauritius reflects its historical commitment to decolonization and upholding international law. This reinforces India's image as a responsible global actor and a champion of sovereign rights for developing nations.
- Maritime Security Cooperation: India maintains strong bilateral ties with Mauritius, including robust military and maritime cooperation. With Mauritius gaining sovereignty, India's ability to enhance security partnerships and joint initiatives in the Indian Ocean region could be further strengthened. This is crucial for counter-piracy, anti-terrorism, and safeguarding vital sea lanes.
- Counterbalancing Geopolitical Influence: While the Diego Garcia base remains under UK-US control, the handover of sovereignty to Mauritius could subtly shift geopolitical dynamics. India's close relationship with Mauritius, coupled with this change, positions India favorably in the evolving power plays in the Indian Ocean, especially amidst rising Chinese influence in the region.
- Access and Strategic Presence: While direct access to the Diego Garcia base remains with the US and UK, improved relations with Mauritius due to the resolution of the sovereignty dispute could open avenues for India to explore enhanced cooperation in areas like maritime domain awareness, disaster relief, and scientific research in the broader Chagos Archipelago.
The Chagos Islands handover is more than just a territorial transfer; it's a testament to the enduring legacy of colonialism, the power of international legal pressure, and the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean.
For India, it marks a diplomatic triumph and an opportunity to further solidify its role as a net security provider and a key player in shaping the future of this vital oceanic expanse.
SideNotes:
- Largest Island in the Indian Ocean – Madagascar.
- The fourth largest island in the world, after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo.
- The largest island in the Chagos Archipelago – Diego Garcia.
- Mauritius gained independence from the United Kingdom on – March 12, 1968.
- Capital of Mauritius – Port Louis.
- Currency of Mauritius – Mauritian Rupee (MUR).
- Motto of Mauritius – Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (Stella Clavisque Maris Indici, Latin)
- Current President of Mauritius – Dharam Gokhool (assumed office on Dec 6, 2024)
- Current Prime Minister of Mauritius – Navin Ramgoolam.
- Current Prime Minister of the UK – Sir Keir Starmer (Labour Party, assumed office on July 5, 2024).
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