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WITH STAND ON CHAGOS ISLANDS, INDIA SENDS A MESSAGE TO NEO-IMPERIALIST POWERS
Relevance: GS 2 – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Why in the News?
- Call for Global Convention: There is an urgent need for post-colonial nations to unite and organize a global convention against neo-imperialism. Major powers like the US, China, and Russia must be held accountable.
- India’s Support for Mauritius: India has reaffirmed its support for Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated India’s long-standing position on decolonization, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, stating: “We support Mauritius in its stance on its sovereignty over Chagos.”
- Strategic Reassurance: This endorsement strengthens India’s diplomatic ties with Mauritius and reinforces its commitment to anti-colonial principles.
Neo-Imperialist Claims on Chagos
- The Chagos Islands are the latest territory claimed by neo-imperialist supporters of former US President Donald Trump.
- In October, the British government agreed to transfer the Chagos Islands, which house the US military base at Diego Garcia, to Mauritius.
- Republican Senator and Trump supporter John Kennedy warned the UK that ceding Chagos’ sovereignty to Mauritius could strain US-UK relations if it threatened the future of the Diego Garcia base.
India’s Subtle Diplomatic Signal
- Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s statement supporting Mauritius’ sovereignty over Chagos came just a day after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to London.
- This timing suggests a deliberate diplomatic message to Washington, delivered from the very heart of Britain, once the epicenter of colonial rule.
Debates on Imperialist Legacies
- Trump’s recent statements on American imperialism have sparked global debates on the legitimacy of territorial expansion in modern times.
- The territorial boundaries of the US, China, and Russia are products of historical conquests and expansions.
- Until the 20th century, European nations legitimized territorial acquisitions across the globe, while:
- The US expanded through territorial conquests.
- Russia stretched from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
- China absorbed Tibet and extended its reach into Central Asia.
India’s Unique Anti-Imperialist Stance
- India led one of the longest and most significant struggles against imperialism.
- Unlike other major powers, India today occupies less territory than its historical footprint.
- While some advocate for the concept of “Akhand Bharat,” free India has never pursued extraterritorial ambitions or imperialist expansion.
India’s Legacy in the Struggle Against Imperialism
- The 20th century was defined by the global struggle against imperialism and its various ideologies.
- India has largely upheld its anti-imperialist stance, with only minor transgressions, such as the integration of Sikkim.
- The acquisition of certain coastal territories aligned with India’s broader resistance to European colonialism.
India’s Role in Shaping Global Anti-Colonial Movements
- India’s independence struggle inspired anti-colonial movements worldwide, significantly altering the global political landscape.
- Following the defeat of Germany and Japan and the decline of the British Empire, the United Nations was established to prevent territorial expansionism.
- The UN Charter explicitly prohibits the use of force to alter territorial integrity or political independence.
India’s Consistent Stance on Sovereignty
- India upheld the principles of the UN Charter by opposing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.
- India has consistently questioned the territorial ambitions of major powers.
- The recent statement supporting Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Islands reinforces India’s commitment to anti-imperialism and should be welcomed.
Chagos and the Question of Sovereignty
- India and Mauritius may permit the US and the UK to continue operating their military base at Diego Garcia, but only if the US recognizes Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.
- The Chagos Islands may be geographically insignificant, but removing external powers from any region has gained renewed importance.
Neo-Imperialism and the Global Response
- Global focus on Trump’s trade threats and White House theatrics has overshadowed his neo-imperialist ambitions.
- Post-colonial nations—including India, Brazil, ASEAN members, and the African Union—should unite to convene a global convention against neo-imperialism.
- The hard-won anti-colonial victories of the 20th century must not be reversed in the 21st.
Strategic Hotspots and Renewed Imperialist Ambitions
- Small but strategically vital locations, such as Chagos and the Panama Canal, have long been targeted by imperial powers.
- Trump has reignited imperialist rhetoric, even hinting at claims over Canada and Greenland.
A New Role for the Commonwealth?
- The UK’s decision on Chagos presents an opportunity to redefine the Commonwealth as a platform for post-colonial nations defending sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- With growing importance of plurilateral groups like BRICS, ASEAN, the Quad, SCO, and the African Union, the Commonwealth could reposition itself as a force against neo-imperialism.
India’s Leadership in the Global South
- India’s stand on Chagos sends a strong message to major powers against territorial expansionism.
- India should work with other post-colonial nations to revive global awareness of imperialism’s enduring impact.
- Prime Minister Modi effectively amplified the Voice of the Global South during the G20 Summit.
- With the US sidelining the G20 under Trump, this is an opportune moment for the Global South to collectively denounce neo-imperialist ambitions.
Way Forward
- Diplomatic Recognition of Mauritius’ Sovereignty: India and Mauritius should engage with the US and UK to ensure formal recognition of Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Islands while allowing strategic security cooperation.
- Global Coalition Against Neo-Imperialism: Post-colonial nations, including India, Brazil, ASEAN members, and the African Union, should unite to push for a global convention against neo-imperialism. Strengthen international awareness and advocacy against territorial expansionism.
- Revitalization of the Commonwealth: Leverage the UK’s decision on Chagos to reposition the Commonwealth as an alliance of post-colonial nations committed to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Strengthening Regional Groupings: Utilize forums like BRICS, ASEAN, the Quad, SCO, and the African Union to reinforce global opposition to territorial expansion by major powers. Enhance cooperation among these groups to safeguard regional security and sovereignty.
- India’s Leadership in the Global South: Build on India’s Voice of the Global South initiative to advocate for decolonization and territorial integrity on global platforms. Counter efforts by major powers to undermine the sovereignty of smaller nations.
- Reaffirming the UN Charter: Advocate for strict adherence to the UN Charter’s principles on territorial sovereignty and non-aggression. Push for stronger UN resolutions condemning territorial acquisitions and expansions by global powers.
- Sustained Strategic Engagement: Maintain a balanced approach by engaging with all major powers while upholding anti-imperialist principles. Ensure that India’s stand on Chagos sets a precedent for future disputes involving post-colonial territories.
Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of India’s support for Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Islands in the broader context of neo-imperialism and global territorial disputes. How can post-colonial nations counter neo-imperialist ambitions? (250 words)
