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The development is significant for Delhi, not only because of the security of the Indian Ocean region is at stake, but also because it involves two close partners, Mauritius and UK.
India was kept in loop as the United Kingdom and Mauritius decided on the future of Chagos Archipelago, key Indian Ocean islands, which also host a US base, reports WION with input from agencies.
Under an agreement announced by the two countries on Thursday, the UK relinquished its claim to Chagos and handed over sovereignty to Mauritius.
But London will retain authority over Diego Garcia for 99 years to ensure the continued operation of the joint UK/US military base.
The joint statement by the two sides stated, “In reaching today’s political agreement, we have enjoyed the full support and assistance of our close partners, the United States of America and the Republic of India.”
The deal comes after 11 rounds of negotiations between the UK and Mauritius, which started in 2022. UK's previous foreign secretary, James Cleverly, in 2022, while informing the British Parliament about the negotiations on the future of Chagos, said that London recognises India & US "interests" on the issue and "will keep them informed of the progress."
The development is significant for Delhi, not only because the security of the Indian Ocean region is at stake, but also because it involves teo close partners, Mauritius and UK.
India has consistently supported Mauritius's claim over the Chagos Archipelago, a policy grounded on decolonization.
Earlier this year, during a visit to Mauritius, India's EAM Dr S Jaishankar said, "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."
On security front, the deal allows the US-UK Base to continue in Diego Garcia amid growing influence of the Chinese in the Indian Ocean region. This also has wider ramifications in the Indo-Pacific region, in which UK, US, Mauritius and India are key stakeholders.
The British high commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, in a statement said, "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."
India has welcomed the agreement. The MEA said in a statement, "The resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute after two years of negotiations, in compliance with international law, is a welcome development."
Delhi clearly has played a quiet but important role in the background. Sources said, "India consistently encouraged both sides to negotiate with an open mind and with a view to achieving mutually beneficial outcomes."
The sources pointed that the “final outcome is a win for all sides involved and will reinforce long term security in the Indian Ocean region.”
Garcia is a significant US military outpost, which impacts the balance of power in the Indian Ocean region.
Established in early 1970s, following UK-US pact, it was from this base that US got major support during the Gulf war in 1990s, Afghanistan in 2021, and the invasion of Iraq in 2023.
It provides the US military an operational advantage over west Asia, Africa, and Asia as it serves as a key hub for aerial refuelling, surveillance, and bomber operations.
US President Biden has welcomed the pact that has been announced. In 2019, the ICJ advised that the UK should end its administration of the Chagos Archipelago, essentially supporting Mauritius's claim.
In May 2023, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to support Mauritius's claim, urging the UK to withdraw its administration from the Chagos Archipelago.
