The UK has announced a historic agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius, concluding a long-standing dispute that has persisted since the islands were forcibly depopulated in the 1960s and 1970s to establish the Diego Garcia military base. This significant decision comes after two years of negotiations, amid growing calls for decolonization and international criticism of the UK’s colonial practices.
Under the new agreement, the UK will retain operational control of Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years, allowing the US to continue using the military base. Both countries emphasize the base’s critical role in regional and global security, as highlighted by US President Joe Biden, who endorsed the agreement for securing effective military operations in the region.
India has played a crucial role in facilitating this diplomatic breakthrough, supporting Mauritius’s sovereignty claims and advocating for regional stability. The Indian government has expressed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mauritius, a close partner in the Indian Ocean region. India’s involvement underscores its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean amid rising Chinese influence.
The agreement is viewed as a victory for the Chagossian people, who have long sought the right to return to their homeland. The UK and Mauritius have also committed to resettlement programs for the Chagossians, excluding Diego Garcia, which remains a military zone. Critics, however, argue that the agreement does not adequately address the needs and rights of the displaced population.
While the deal is seen as a step toward addressing historical injustices, it has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from some UK political figures who express concerns about security implications and potential Chinese influence in the region.
Nonetheless, the agreement marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the Indian Ocean, reflecting broader global trends toward recognizing and rectifying colonial injustices.
This UK-Mauritius agreement on the Chagos Islands is a pivotal development in the quest for decolonization, influenced by India’s strategic diplomacy. It not only seeks to correct historical wrongs but also maintains a balance of military power in the Indian Ocean, ensuring continued US-UK cooperation in a region of growing geopolitical importance.
