UK to Cede Chagos Islands to Mauritius, Retain Diego Garcia

Why in the news?

The UK agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while maintaining control over the strategic Diego Garcia military base in a landmark deal.

UK to Cede Chagos Islands to Mauritius, Retain Diego Garcia

Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia:

  • The Chagos Archipelago consists of 58 islands in the Indian Ocean, about 500 km south of the Maldives.
  • Diego Garcia, the largest island, has been a key military base for the US and UK since the
  • The base has played a critical role in US military operations, including during the Gulf War and post-9/11 conflicts.
  • Its location allows the US to monitor the Malacca Strait, a major trade route vital to China.

Resettlement and Broader Implications:

  • Mauritius has long claimed the UK’s occupation of Chagos is illegal, with support from the UN General Assembly and the International Court of Justice.
  • Under the new agreement, Mauritius can resettle Chagossians on the islands, except for Diego Garcia.
  • The base will remain under UK control for 99 years, and this resolution could prevent Mauritius from seeking alternative alliances, like with China.

About Chagos Dispute:

  • Colonial Background:
  • Chagos Archipelago claimed by Britain and Mauritius in 1814.
  • In 1965, U.K. separated the islands from Mauritius to create British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
  • Military Leasing:
  • In 1966, the U.K. leased Diego Garcia to the U.S. for a military base.
  • Native Chagossians were forcibly displaced from their homeland.
  • Legal Disputes:
  • Chagossians have pursued
  • legal battles for the right to return.
  • Mauritius has continuously asserted sovereignty over the islands since its independence in 1968.
  • International Rulings:
  • In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the U.K. must return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, deeming its administration unlawful.

Geographical Location of Chagos Archipelago

  • Location: Central Indian Ocean, approximately 1,600 km south of India’s southern tip.
  • Key Islands: Includes Diego Garcia, Peros Banhos, and Danger Island ,Egmont Islands, Eagle Islands, Nelsons Island, and Peros Banhos.
  • Climate: Tropical marine climate, influenced by trade winds.
  • Disputed Nations: U.K. (administrator) and Mauritius (claimant), with U.S. involvement due to Diego Garcia military base.
  • Established as a UK overseas territory on November 8, 1965.
  • Island Climate: Tropical marine climate with high temperatures and humidity, moderated by trade winds.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/the-hidden-gem-of-the-indian-ocean-diego-garcia-island/