The UK and Mauritius have reached a significant agreement on the Chagos Archipelago, with the UK relinquishing sovereignty to Mauritius while retaining control over Diego Garcia for 99 years to support US military operations. India has played a supportive role throughout the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of decolonization and regional security. This agreement comes amidst growing concerns about Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.
In a significant diplomatic development, the United Kingdom and Mauritius have reached an agreement regarding the future of the Chagos Archipelago, a set of islands in the Indian Ocean that includes the strategically important Diego Garcia, which hosts a United States military base. Under this agreement, announced on October 3, 2024, the UK has formally relinquished its sovereignty over Chagos and ceded authority to Mauritius. However, the UK will maintain control over Diego Garcia for a period of 99 years to ensure the operational continuity of the US-UK military facilities located there. This agreement is particularly noteworthy due to the involvement of India, which has been actively engaged in supporting Mauritius’s claim over the Chagos Archipelago, a position that aligns with India’s broader commitment to decolonization and territorial integrity. During earlier discussions, British foreign secretary James Cleverly had noted that the UK acknowledges the significant interests that both India and the United States have in this matter, committing to keep both nations informed as negotiations progressed. India’s Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the resolution, emphasizing that it marks a positive step in international law following two years of negotiations. This collaboration among the UK, Mauritius, and India is seen as a means to enhance security in the Indian Ocean, especially in the face of increasing Chinese influence in the region. The agreement not only reflects an understanding of historical grievances but also promises to foster greater cooperation among these nations in ensuring stability across the Indo-Pacific.
The Chagos Archipelago has long been a point of contention following its detachment from Mauritius in 1965 and the establishment of a US military base in Diego Garcia. Over the years, various international entities, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), have supported Mauritius’s claim to the islands, declaring the UK’s continued administration unjust. India’s involvement in this issue reflects its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean and its diplomatic relations with both Mauritius and the UK, underscored by a shared focus on maintaining regional security.
The agreement regarding the Chagos Archipelago represents a pivotal moment in diplomatic relations in the Indian Ocean, hosting a critical US military base while also acknowledging Mauritius’s territorial claims. With India’s continued support, this development is poised to enhance cooperative security efforts amongst the involved nations, significantly impacting the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
