Historic Agreement: UK and Mauritius Resolve Chagos Archipelago Dispute
The United States has praised the historic agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius regarding the Chagos Archipelago. This agreement affirms Mauritian sovereignty over the islands while allowing the UK to exercise certain rights concerning Diego Garcia. US President Joe Biden highlighted the importance of diplomacy in overcoming historical challenges and emphasized Diego Garcia’s role in global security.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also commended the agreement, noting its significance in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The UK has agreed to return sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, allowing displaced people to return, while maintaining the British-US military base on Diego Garcia.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the agreement secures the military base’s future and strengthens global security. The British High Commissioner welcomed the deal, highlighting its potential for deeper cooperation with India in the Indian Ocean.
India has welcomed the agreement, viewing it as a completion of Mauritius’s decolonization. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed support for Mauritius’s sovereignty and commitment to maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean.
Doubts Revealed
Chagos Archipelago -: The Chagos Archipelago is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. It has been a subject of dispute between the UK and Mauritius for many years.
Mauritius -: Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, near the eastern coast of Africa. It was once a British colony and gained independence in 1968.
Diego Garcia -: Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago. It is home to a significant military base used by the UK and the US.
Sovereignty -: Sovereignty means having full control and authority over a territory. In this context, it refers to Mauritius having control over the Chagos Archipelago.
Decolonization -: Decolonization is the process of a colony gaining independence from a colonial power. For Mauritius, this agreement is seen as completing its journey to full independence.
Maritime security -: Maritime security involves protecting the seas and oceans from threats like piracy and illegal fishing. It is important for countries like India that rely on sea routes for trade.