India has expressed its support for the United Kingdom's decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement acknowledging the historic deal and emphasizing its positive implications for the region. The agreement signifies a crucial step in resolving the long-standing dispute over the Chagos Islands, marking a milestone achievement.
India's support for Mauritius' claim is rooted in its consistent advocacy for decolonization, respect for sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of nations. The MEA highlighted that the treaty between the UK and Mauritius represents the culmination of the decolonization process of Mauritius, aligning with international law and a rules-based order.
The Chagos Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean, has been a subject of contention for decades. In 1965, the UK separated the islands from Mauritius, then a British colony, to create the British Indian Ocean Territory. Subsequently, the UK evicted the local Chagossian population in the late 1960s and early 1970s to establish a joint military base with the United States on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago. This move has been widely criticized as a violation of human rights and international law.
Mauritius has consistently sought the return of the Chagos Archipelago, arguing that its separation was illegal and a violation of its territorial integrity. The United Nations and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have also sided with Mauritius, urging the UK to relinquish control of the islands. In 2019, the ICJ issued a non-binding advisory opinion stating that the UK's administration of the Chagos Archipelago was unlawful and that it should be returned to Mauritius as soon as possible.
The recent agreement between the UK and Mauritius addresses these historical grievances. While Mauritius will gain sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, the UK and the US will retain control of the military base on Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years. The deal includes provisions for the UK to have full responsibility for the defense and security of Diego Garcia and establishes a 24-mile buffer zone around the island where construction is prohibited without UK consent. Foreign military and civilian forces will also be barred from other islands in the archipelago, with the UK retaining veto power over access to the islands.
Despite the agreement, some controversy remains. Representatives of the Chagossian community have expressed concerns about the deal, fearing that it may further complicate their efforts to return to their homeland. Two Chagossian women even launched a last-minute legal challenge to halt the signing of the agreement, but their attempt was ultimately unsuccessful. Concerns persist regarding the fairness of the resettlement process and the potential for discrimination against Chagossians who do not hold Mauritian nationality.
India's support for the UK-Mauritius agreement underscores its commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the Indian Ocean. The MEA's statement affirmed India's dedication to working closely with Mauritius and other like-minded countries to promote peace and prosperity in the region. This position aligns with India's broader strategic interests in the Indian Ocean, where it seeks to play a role as a net security provider. By supporting Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, India strengthens its bilateral ties with a key partner in the region and reinforces its image as a leader of post-colonial nations advocating for sovereignty rights.
