Both countries have reached a historic political agreement to hand over Chagos Islands to Mauritius (Still subject to finalization of a treaty).
- While US-UK base will remain on Diego Garcia atoll.
About Chagos Archipelago
- It is an island group, located 500 km south of Maldives in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Uninhabited until 18th century, later French colonized it. French ceded island to British in 1814.
- British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT): Formed by UK in 1965, with Chagos as a central part.
- Some BIOT islands were ceded to Seychelles in 1976.
- Archipelago was detached from Mauritius by UK in 1965, three years before Mauritius gained independence.
Significance of Treaty
- Addressing colonial legacy: Ends a long-standing dispute over last British colony in Africa.
- Regional Security Dynamics: As Mauritius may seek to balance its relations with major powers.
- Security Importance: Diego Garcia base allows US to monitor Malacca Strait, crucial for global trade, and maintain its presence in IOR.
- Compliance with International Law: Handing over island is aligned with judgment of International Court of Justice In 2019 & UNGA resolution in 2019.
- India supported Mauritius' claim by voting in its favor at UNGA in 2019
- It was in line with India’s “principled stand on decolonization and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations”.
- India supported Mauritius' claim by voting in its favor at UNGA in 2019
