Introduction
Mauritius and the UK have signed a historic agreement to settle Chagos archipelago dispute in October 2024. According to the treaty, the UK will give up the sovereignty of Chagos archipelago to Mauritius, thereby bringing an end to a long-standing territorial controversy. However, the UK’s control over Diego Garcia atoll will continue, as the UK-US joint military base will carry out their operations in this region for an initial period of 99 years.
Terms of the Treaty
Under the treaty, the wrongful acts of the past will be addressed along with highlighting that both the countries are committed to working for the welfare of the Chagossians. It will shut down a possible illegal migration route. The major military base, responsible for national, regional and global security, is now secured. Besides, Mauritius will be provided with funds from the UK, such as annual payments and infrastructure investment, for the welfare of the Chagossians and for the economic development of the country.
Location of Chagos Archipelago
Chagos archipelago which is a group of 7 atolls (ring-shaped islands) comprising around 58 islands, is located in the central Indian Ocean, at a distance of 1600 km south of the Indian subcontinent. It has a strategic location, as it is away from the direction of cyclonic storms and in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The archipelago is strategically important for (a) keeping a check on vital shipping routes, (b) enforcing military power over a large region, and (c) facilitating security in the region.
Out of these islands, Diego Garcia is the largest island (with an area of 44 sq. km) that is located at the southernmost tip of this archipelago.
Historical Background
The Portuguese discovered the archipelago in the 16th century, while the French established their colonial rule over here along with Mauritius in the 18th century. Chagos was a part of Mauritius and was administered by the Mauritian government. In order to set up coconut plantations in the archipelago and to run these plantations, slaves from Africa and India were brought here by the French. But in the 19th century, the control of these islands came into the hands of the UK government after the decline of the Napoleon regime.
In 1814, Britain colonised these islands as well as Mauritius. In 1956, Britain and the USA signed an agreement to establish the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), which included Chagos archipelago and some other neighbouring islands. In 1965, the BIOT was set up by an Order in Council under the Royal Prerogative. In 1976, when Seychelles got freedom from British, it also got the sovereignty of some other islands of the BIOT (comprising Aldabra, Desroches, and Farquhar). Thereafter, the BIOT consisted only of the Chagos Islands. The objective of the BIOT was to set up defence and communications facilities to tackle the Russian military forces present in the region. So, the UK and the USA determined to separate the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius and establish their military base on its largest island, i.e., Diego Garcia.
In recognition of the detachment of the Chagos archipelago, the UK paid Mauritius three million Euro and undertook legally binding commitments, including a promise to return the islands when no longer required for defence.
In 1966, a formal agreement (Exchange of Notes) between the UK and the US made the Territory available for defence purposes. Diego Garcia was earmarked for joint US-UK use for an initial 50-year period, extendable by 20 years unless either party gives notice of termination to the other not more than two years before the end of the initial period, i.e., 2014. This arrangement was later updated in 1972 and 1976. In 1972, the construction of a “limited naval communications facility” was authorised, whereas in 1976, the development, maintenance, and cooperation of a US Navy support facility was permitted.
In 1968, Mauritius gained freedom from British rule, but Chagos continued to be under the control of the UK, as the UK had falsely labelled the Chagossians as temporary workers and not the native people of the archipelago. This was done by the UK to hand over Diego Garcia to the USA on lease so that military operations can be carried out jointly from there.
Thereafter in 1971, the original Chagossians were ordered to move out and shift to Mauritius the Seychelles, or the UK. Besides, all the plantations were closed. So, the entire Chagos has been vacated since then, except for Diego Garcia, where only the US military forces reside.
But the establishment of this base was strongly opposed by the Chagossians, as they wanted to keep it as a non-militarised zone of the Indian Ocean area. Nevertheless, in 1986, Diego Garcia was made a joint US-UK military base and was used to launch air attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq during the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq War, respectively. Post-9/11, it was also allegedly used as a detention centre by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Do You Know?
Chagossians are the descendents of African slaves and Indian plantation workers who were brought here by the French during the late-18th century to work as slaves. They are the native people of the archipelago, as it was uninhabited prior to their arrival.
The Mauritian government claimed for more than 50 years that the UK should give freedom to the Chagos Archipelago. Besides, the Chagossians living in the UK, Seychelles, and Mauritius fought for their right to return to their native country.
In 2002, British nationality law was amended to grant British citizenship to many Chagossians who had British Overseas Territories status.
Former Prime Minister of Mauritius Navin Ramgoolam started a legal battle against the UK to get back Prime Minister their lost territory. In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the UK should free the archipelago from its control. The court stated that the native population was forced out of the archipelago by the UK illegally, merely to allow the establishment of the US airbase. Later, around 116 member states of the UN issued a resolution under which the UK was given six months to return the control of the Chagos to Mauritius.
Therefore, the negotiations between Mauritius and the UK started in 2022.
Geo-Political Dimension
At the time of decolonisation, when the British set up the BIOT in 1965, it was a critical geopolitical step. On the one hand, Britain was freeing many of its colonies from its control; on the other hand, it established the BIOT. Thus, by retaining control of the Chagos archipelago, Britain continued its strategic military power in the Indian Ocean.
Why the Need for BIOT BIOT was established mainly to tackle the military forces of the USSR in the region. It is still a vital element of US military operations in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific area. Diego Garcia, a major asset, serves as a joint UK-US military base from where international military operations can be efficiently conducted, such as logistics, surveillance, and regional defence. Actually, the base is a foundation for the Pentagon in the Indian Ocean.
In 1968, British moved away from the east of the Suez, which was vital for its strategic realignment. Britain continued to hold its power over Diego Garcia indirectly to carry on its influence in the Indian Ocean, even without the presence of the British forces. This was done to reduce its military influence.
Besides, economic crises affected Britain at that time, such as the devaluation of the pound in 1967. When the UK held power over Diego Garcia for the US, it was strategically and economically beneficial for the UK. This secured the UK’s interests and gained the support of the USA.
The Maldives’ Concern
As far as the Maldives is concerned, Diego Garcia, as a US military base, carrying out military operations, is worrisome. The Maldives is strategically located in the middle of the Indian Ocean. So, it is concerned about its national security, which may be destabilised due to regional security arrangements. As foreign military forces are present so close to the Maldives, its long-term security and sovereignty are in danger.
Apart from this, the decolonisation process becomes difficult due to the military operations in the region. As Britain continues to hold power over the largest island of the archipelago in spite of global rulings, this strengthens the colonisation legacy of Britain. This indicates the current geopolitical and human rights struggle. Simultaneously, it degrades the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. The Maldives has always extended its support to the decolonisation process. But now, with Chagos dispute, the Maldives has realised that small island nations are unimportant in relation to global governance structures.
India’s Concern
The Chagos dispute was very challenging for India, as it was between India’s close allies. India’s support to Mauritius’ stance was a risky affair, but India advocated it ethically. This is obviously in keeping with India’s long-standing position with regard to decolonisation and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries. India cast a vote for the island country at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2019.
Since India’s independence in 1947, it has always highlighted the importance of decolonisation. In this dispute, India has so far supported Mauritius though this might impact India’s relation with the USA and the UK and might impact the Indo-US defence collaboration. India’s stance might also aggravate the presence of China in the Indian Ocean through pirate attacks.
On the other hand, India persuaded Mauritius to let the UK continue to have control over Diego Garcia, if the UK agrees to grant sovereignty to the rest of the Chagos archipelago. Thus, India seams to have a significant say in geopolitics in South Asia.
Considering the ever-growing Chinese influence over the Indian Ocean, India has also tried to strengthen its relation with Mauritius. In 2024, on a two-island territory of Mauritius, i.e., Agalega, the inauguration of an airstrip and a jetty, built by India, took place. Note that Agalega in situated in the Western Indian Ocean. The two nations are also working towards the joint development of a satellite, a national institute for curriculum research, and, digitisation of immigration archives. They also plan to focus on the growth of the financial sectors.
Diplomatic Aspect
There is a close diplomatic association between India and Mauritius. Mauritius imports a large amount of fuel from India that fulfils most of its fuel needs. Further, Mauritius facilitated the re-appointment of Dalveer Bhandari, an Indian judge, to the ICJ.
Both the UK and Mauritius governments regard the agreement on Chagos dispute as a decisive moment that depicts their determination to solve disputes through peaceful resolution and the rule of law. Both the nations will collaborate to tackle environmental issues, drug and human trafficking, and maritime security. Besides, it will be ensured that current military base on Diego Garcia operates securely and efficiently on a long-term basis.
This base is critical for maintaining regional and global security.
The Indian Ocean is a major global trade route, so it should be safe and secured for the economic survival of the countries adjacent to the ocean. It is the common responsibility of the countries to safeguard the Indian Ocean.
Conclusion
This historic agreement proves that long-established past disputes can be resolved with partnership and diplomacy between countries, leading to outcomes advantageous for all the involved. With the treaty, the two nations will share a new partnership of economy, security, and environmental aspects. This significant agreement between the UK and Mauritius completes the decolonisation of Mauritius. Moreover, India remains committed to working with Mauritius in consolidating maritime safety and security as well as contributing to enhanced peace in the India Ocean region.
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