Context: The United Kingdom on Thursday (October 3) said it would cede sovereignty of the strategically important Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it a “historic political agreement”. The UK has long controlled Chagos and the Diego Garcia military base located there, jointly operating it with the United States.
- Sovereignty Transfer:
- On October 3, 2024, the UK agreed to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, marking a “historic political agreement.”
- Strategic Importance:
- The Chagos Archipelago includes Diego Garcia, which houses a major US military base, crucial for defense and military operations.
- Historical Context:
- The Chagos Islands were uninhabited until the late 18th century, later populated through forced labor.
- In 1814, the islands were ceded to the UK from France.
- The UK established the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) in 1965, keeping Chagos while granting independence to Mauritius in 1968.
- US-Military Relations:
- In 1966, the UK allowed the US to use BIOT for military purposes, leading to the establishment of the Diego Garcia base, which became fully operational in 1986.
- Chagossian Displacement:
- About 2,000 civilians were forcibly removed from Diego Garcia during its military transformation, a central issue in the sovereignty dispute.
- International Legal Challenges:
- Mauritius has claimed UK occupation of Chagos as illegal, taking the issue to international bodies.
- In 2017, the UNGA requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to examine the islands' legal status.
- An ICJ advisory opinion stated the detachment from Mauritius in 1965 was not based on genuine consent.
- Treaty Provisions:
- The UK ceded claims over the islands but retains control over Diego Garcia for an “initial period” of 99 years.
- Mauritius can resettle people on the islands, excluding Diego Garcia.
- A trust fund for Chagossians will be established by the UK.
- Geopolitical Implications:
- The resolution may bolster Western commitment to a free Indo-Pacific, countering potential influences from nations like China.
- The treaty is seen as pivotal amid growing geopolitical tensions, especially with US interests in the Indian Ocean.
- India's Role:
- India has consistently supported Mauritius’ claims, voting in favor at the UNGA in 2019.
- India is strengthening ties with Mauritius in response to China's assertiveness in the region, exemplified by infrastructure developments in Mauritius.
The treaty represents a compromise, addressing historical grievances while maintaining strategic military interests in the Indian Ocean.