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The United Kingdom 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.

Background of the Chagos Archipelago

Historical Context

• The Chagos archipelago consists of 58 islands located about 500 km south of the Maldives.
• Initially uninhabited, the islands were populated in the late 18th century through the importation of slave labor.
• The islands were ceded to Britain from France in 1814, and in 1965, the UK established the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), which includes Chagos.

Controversy Over Sovereignty

• Mauritius, a former British colony, claims that the detachment of Chagos from its territory during its independence in 1968 was illegal.
• The UK compensated Mauritius with a grant but retained control, establishing a military base on Diego Garcia.

Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia

Military Significance

• Diego Garcia has been a crucial U.S. military base since its operational status began in 1986.
• It played a key role in U.S. military operations during conflicts in the Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
• The base enables rapid response to crises and supports regional security, especially in light of U.S. interests in monitoring key trade routes like the Malacca Strait.

Geopolitical Implications

• The presence of the U.S. military in the Indian Ocean is vital for countering security threats, particularly regarding China's growing influence.

Recent Developments: The UK-Mauritius Agreement

Key Features of the Treaty

• On October 3, 2023, the UK agreed to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking a significant political shift.
• The treaty allows Mauritius to resettle Chagossians (excluding Diego Garcia) and establishes a trust fund for their benefit.
• Despite this, the UK retains control over Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years.

Implications of the Agreement

• The resolution of the sovereignty issue may strengthen Western commitments to a stable and free Indo-Pacific region.
• If unresolved, tensions could push Mauritius toward seeking alliances with alternative powers like China.

India’s Position and Interests

Support for Mauritius

• India has historically supported Mauritius in its claims over Chagos, reflecting its stance against colonial legacies.
• In 2019, India voted in favor of Mauritius at the UN General Assembly regarding the Chagos dispute.

Strategic Partnerships

• With increasing Chinese assertiveness in the Indian Ocean, India has been strengthening its ties with Mauritius.
• Recent initiatives include the inauguration of an India-built airstrip and jetty in Agaléga, enhancing connectivity and support for Mauritius.

Conclusion

The UK-Mauritius treaty over the Chagos Archipelago marks a significant turning point in colonial legacies and geopolitical alliances in the Indian Ocean. For India, supporting Mauritius aligns with its broader strategic interests and enhances its influence in a region marked by competing global powers. As the dynamics evolve, India's role in fostering regional stability and partnerships will be crucial.