Chagos Archipelago's Sovereignty to Be Reverted to Mauritius by U.K.

By Chetna Gill

Cover Image Attribute: The runway of U.S. Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, Indian Ocean

On October 3, in a joint statement with Mauritius, the United Kingdom announced that it would relinquish sovereignty over a remote but strategically significant group of islands in the Indian Ocean after more than 50 years of control. These islands, part of the Chagos Archipelago, have been crucial for military operations due to their location in the Indian Ocean. In a historic political agreement, the U.K. and Mauritius have finalized plans to secure the future of the strategically important military base on Diego Garcia while also working toward restoring Mauritian sovereignty over the archipelago. This agreement marks a turning point in the governance of the islands, balancing military needs with the transfer of sovereignty.

The British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004 defines the territory of Chagos Archipelago as consisting of several islands and groups of islands, including Diego Garcia, Three Brothers Islands, Egmont Islands, Nelson Island, Peros Banhos, Eagle Islands, Salomon Islands, and Danger Island. These islands, along with their associated coral reefs, are situated in the Indian Ocean between latitudes 4°44' and 7°41' south and longitudes 70°47' and 72°47' east. This expansive territory is strategically located and noted for its rich biodiversity. However, it is most recognized for hosting the Diego Garcia military base, which has been used by the U.S. military since 1966 under a lease as a base for navy ships and long-range bombers.

The announcement, delivered through a joint statement by the U.K. and Mauritian Prime Ministers, signifies the conclusion of protracted and often contentious discussions. It took 11 rounds of talks under the previous administration and two rounds with the current government, the negotiations initially starting in 2022. The agreement is seen as a diplomatic breakthrough, addressing one of the most sensitive geopolitical issues between the two countries. For decades, both sides have been engaged in complex dialogues, primarily around sovereignty and using the islands for military purposes.

Three significant issues deeply rooted in history were at the heart of this territorial dispute. The first revolved around the ownership of the islands—whether they rightfully belonged to the U.K. or Mauritius. This dispute had a profound historical context, stretching back to the colonial era. The second, equally significant, was the plight of the Chagossian community, the islands' original inhabitants who were forcibly displaced and later scattered across Mauritius, Seychelles, and the U.K. The Chagossians' third and most primary concern was the right to return to their homeland, a request denied mainly by the U.K., with only a few supervised "heritage visits" allowed. The resolution of these issues was expected to have a profound impact not only on UK-Mauritius relations but also on the future of the Chagossian people.

In addition to the three major issues at the heart of the UK-Mauritius sovereignty dispute, a central concern has been operating the joint UK-US military facility on Diego Garcia. Under the new agreement, Mauritius will assume sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, while the U.K. will retain the authority to exercise sovereign rights on Diego Garcia. This arrangement, set for an initial 99-year period, ensures the continued operation of the strategically important military base well into the next century, addressing both army and sovereignty concerns.

Also, the joint statement expressed gratitude to the United States and the Republic of India for their full support and assistance in reaching this political agreement. Both nations played critical roles in facilitating discussions and helping resolve the longstanding UK-Mauritius sovereignty dispute over the Chagos Archipelago. Their involvement was instrumental in the diplomatic process, ensuring a balanced agreement that satisfied all parties' strategic, political, and territorial concerns.

India, in particular, has consistently supported Mauritius' claim to sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, aligning with its longstanding commitment to decolonization and its support for nations' sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to the India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the country's role was both quiet and crucial, backing Mauritius' stance on the need to address the remnants of colonialism. India encouraged both sides to negotiate openly and to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. This agreement is seen as a win for all involved, reinforcing long-term security in the Indian Ocean region and contributing to peace and prosperity.

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