Chagos Islands: A strategic pivot in Indo-Pacific great power rivalry

The Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, are at the heart of Indo-Pacific strategic competition, intersecting decolonisation, nuclear concerns, and great-power rivalry. The UK’s planned transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius in 2025 has drawn criticism from the US under President Trump, leaving the agreement in limbo. India supports Mauritius’ claim while balancing the strategic utility of the US military base for surveillance, intelligence sharing, and monitoring Chinese maritime activity. Regional dynamics, including Maldives’ defence modernisation and external partnerships, add complexity. How the UK, US, Mauritius, India, and other stakeholders manage the Chagos transition will directly influence Indian Ocean stability and India’s maritime security posture.