India’s Role in the UK-Mauritius Agreement on Chagos Archipelago

India remains engaged as the UK and Mauritius reach a landmark agreement settling claims over the Chagos Archipelago, with the UK transferring sovereignty to Mauritius while maintaining control over Diego Garcia for 99 years. This development highlights regional security concerns amid increasing Chinese influence, and India’s consistent support for Mauritius strengthens ties among the US, UK, and India in the Indian Ocean.

Recent developments in the Indian Ocean region have unfolded as the United Kingdom and Mauritius have reached a pivotal agreement regarding the future of the Chagos Archipelago, including the strategically significant Diego Garcia. This development is of particular importance to India, given its interests in regional security. On October 3, the UK announced that it would relinquish its sovereignty over Chagos, transferring oversight to Mauritius while maintaining authority over Diego Garcia for a period of 99 years. This agreement follows extensive negotiations that commenced in 2022 and included the active support of both the United States and India. The statement disclosed by both nations highlighted their appreciation for the involvement of the United States and India. India’s position has been consistent in supporting Mauritius’s claim over the Chagos Archipelago, correlating with its policy dedicated to decolonization. India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, reiterated this commitment during a visit to Mauritius earlier in the year, asserting, “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 agreement is significant not only for its implications for Mauritian sovereignty but also for the continued function of the US-UK military base in Diego Garcia amidst increasing Chinese influence in the region. The British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, stated, “this agreement enables deeper cooperation with India in the Indian Ocean, strengthening global security and averting threats to peace and prosperity in the wider Indo-Pacific.” Furthermore, India’s Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the resolution of the longstanding dispute over the Chagos Archipelago, emphasizing the importance of compliance with international law. Indian diplomatic efforts played a crucial role by encouraging constructive dialogue between the UK and Mauritius, as indicated by sources who noted that the final agreement is beneficial to all parties involved.

The Chagos Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean, has been a point of contention due to its strategic military significance, particularly the United States’ military base established on Diego Garcia. This region is central to geopolitics in the Indian Ocean and beyond, impacting security dynamics involving major powers such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. Historical context suggests that the UK has administered the islands since the 1960s following a colonial era, and there have been ongoing legal and diplomatic efforts advocating for Mauritian sovereignty over these territories. In 2019, the International Court of Justice indicated that the UK should cease its administration of the islands, reinforcing Mauritius’s claims. The recent agreement not only represents a significant diplomatic resolution but also reflects shifting power dynamics in the area, particularly with growing Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.

In conclusion, the agreement between the UK and Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago marks a major shift in territorial governance and reflects broader geopolitical concerns in the Indian Ocean region. With India’s active involvement and support for Mauritius’s sovereignty, this development signifies a collective commitment to stability and security in the region. The deal is seen as advantageous for all involved, fostering deeper cooperation among the UK, Mauritius, India, and the US, while addressing historical grievances stemming from colonial rule.

Original Source: www.wionews.com