The United Kingdom has agreed to relinquish its claims over the Chagos Archipelago, transferring sovereignty to Mauritius while retaining control over Diego Garcia for military operations. The agreement, supported by India and the United States, follows extensive negotiations and is viewed as a critical step towards promoting security in the Indian Ocean amidst growing geopolitical tensions.
In a significant diplomatic development, the United Kingdom and Mauritius have collaboratively decided the future of the Chagos Archipelago, strategic islands located in the Indian Ocean, which include Diego Garcia, home to a pivotal United States military base. Announced on Thursday, the agreement entails the UK relinquishing its sovereignty claims over the Archipelago, transferring sovereignty to Mauritius while retaining authority over Diego Garcia for a period of 99 years to ensure the continued function of the UK/US military base. The joint statement issued by both nations emphasized their reliance on the support and assistance from their close allies, notably the United States and India, throughout the negotiation process. This agreement follows a series of 11 negotiations that commenced in 2022. At that time, the UK’s former Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, acknowledged the interest of both India and the US, assuring Parliament that they would be kept informed about the progress of these negotiations. For India, this development holds considerable significance due to the implications for regional security within the Indian Ocean, an area of strategic interest, particularly in light of increasing Chinese influence. India has historically championed Mauritius’s claims over the Archipelago as part of its broader policy supporting decolonization. During a visit earlier this year, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reiterated, “on the issue of Chagos, India will continue its consistent support to Mauritius in line with its principal stand on decolonization and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.” The UK-Mauritius agreement allows for the continued operation of the US-UK military base in Diego Garcia, reinforcing their military presence amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region. The British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, expressed the sentiment that this agreement leads to enhanced cooperation with India, crucial for strengthening global security and deterring threats to peace in the broader Indo-Pacific region. India’s Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the resolution of this longstanding territorial dispute, noting compliance with international law and the successful negotiation process over two years. Indian officials have reportedly encouraged both parties to engage constructively, suggesting that this outcome represents a beneficial resolution for all involved, promoting long-term security in the region. Diego Garcia has been a strategic military outpost for the US since the early 1970s, playing vital roles in military operations across the globe, including significant interventions in conflicts in the Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The agreement aligns with recommendations made by the International Court of Justice in 2019 and recent UN General Assembly resolutions supporting Mauritius’s claims, urging the UK to conclude its administration of the area.
The Chagos Archipelago, previously under British administration, has been a point of contention due to its strategic significance and colonial history. Home to Diego Garcia, a major US military base, the Archipelago’s sovereignty has long been contested by Mauritius, which has sought to reclaim the islands following a ruling by the International Court of Justice in 2019. The resolution of the dispute comes amid growing security dynamics in the Indian Ocean, where China’s influence is expanding. This agreement is not only a diplomatic victory for Mauritius but also reflects the strategic interests of India and the US in maintaining a stable international order in the region.
In conclusion, the agreement between the UK and Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago marks a pivotal moment in international cooperation, particularly regarding regional security in the Indian Ocean. With India and the US as key partners in this negotiation, the resolution of this dispute upholds principles of decolonization and territorial integrity while ensuring the continued operational capabilities of the US-UK military base in Diego Garcia. This outcome is hoped to foster long-term stability in a region increasingly influenced by global powers.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
