 "How India quietly pushed UK to return Chagos Islands to Mauritius")
India has played a critical, though understated, role in the historic resolution of the decades-long dispute over the Chagos Archipelago, a group of islands that had been under British control since the early 19th century.
This diplomatic development marks a significant moment in global decolonisation efforts and has wide-reaching implications for Indian Ocean security. The return of the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius was finalised after two years of intense negotiations, with India being a consistent supporter of Mauritius’s claim to sovereignty.
What was the Chagos dispute about?
The Chagos Archipelago, comprising 58 islands over an area of 60 square kilometres, lies about 2,200 km northeast of Mauritius and 1,700 km southwest of India’s Thiruvananthapuram.
The islands have been part of Mauritius since at least the 18th century, during its time as a French colony known as Ile de France. However, in 1965, in the lead-up to Mauritius’s independence from British colonial rule, the United Kingdom excised the Chagos Archipelago to create the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
The primary motivation behind this move was a secret deal with the United States to establish a military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the group.
The forced removal of the indigenous Chagossians from their homeland in the 1960s has since been a point of controversy and international legal challenges.
In 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled that the UK’s continued administration of the Chagos Islands was illegal, calling for the islands’ return to Mauritius. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) followed this with a resolution affirming Mauritius’s sovereignty over Chagos and demanding the UK’s withdrawal.
How has India been involved in negotiations?
India has been a steadfast supporter of Mauritius’s claim to the Chagos Archipelago, aligning its stance with principles of decolonisation and territorial integrity.
Throughout the two years of negotiations between the United Kingdom and Mauritius, India played a “quiet but important role” in the background, encouraging both sides to negotiate openly with the aim of achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.
Official Indian sources highlighted that New Delhi “firmly backed the principled Mauritian position, supporting its stance on the need to do away with the last vestiges of decolonisation.”
India’s involvement was formally recognised by both the United Kingdom and Mauritius in a joint statement, which noted, “In reaching today’s political agreement, we have enjoyed the full support and assistance of our close partners, the United States of America and the Republic of India.”
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Mauritius during aan earlier visit to the island nation this year, stating, “On the issue of Chagos, India will continue its consistent support to Mauritius in line with its principal stand on decolonisation and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.”
What does this move imply for security in the Indian Ocean?
Diego Garcia, a strategically vital military base, has been at the heart of global security operations for decades. The base, used jointly by the United Kingdom and the United States, plays a critical role in defense and intelligence operations across the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf, and even the wider Indo-Pacific region.
In the final agreement reached between the UK and Mauritius, sovereignty over Diego Garcia remains with Mauritius, but the UK retains certain sovereign rights and authorities related to the base’s operations.
US President Joe Biden lauded the agreement, stating, “This agreement affirms Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago while granting the United Kingdom the authority to exercise the sovereign rights of Mauritius with respect to Diego Garcia. It is a clear demonstration that through diplomacy and partnership, countries can overcome long-standing historical challenges to reach peaceful and mutually beneficial outcomes.”
India views the resolution as a positive step toward bolstering security in the Indian Ocean.
With China’s growing influence in the region, India has been reinforcing its maritime strategy, building partnerships with key nations like Mauritius, Seychelles, and Madagascar.
The Chagos resolution fits into this broader strategic framework by enhancing peace and security in the region, in alignment with India’s long-term geopolitical goals.
Why is this development important?
The return of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius marks the completion of Mauritius’s decolonisation process, an achievement praised by the international community. “This significant understanding completes the decolonisation of Mauritius and will reinforce long-term security in the Indian Ocean region,” said an Indian Ministry of External Affairs statement.
India’s involvement, while largely conducted behind the scenes, reflects its growing influence in global affairs. By championing decolonisation and territorial sovereignty, India has reaffirmed its commitment to international law and the principles of sovereignty.
Furthermore, the agreement strengthens India’s ties with Mauritius, a nation where nearly 70 per cent of the population is of Indian origin, further cementing historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
While the United Kingdom formally returns sovereignty to Mauritius, the security arrangements surrounding Diego Garcia ensure continued stability in the Indian Ocean. India, through its quiet yet significant support, played a key role in ensuring the success of these negotiations.
As a result, the agreement is seen as a win for all involved parties: Mauritius, the UK, the US, and India.
India’s Foreign Ministry aptly summed up the sentiment: “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.”
With inputs from agencies
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