India’s Role in the Chagos Archipelago Agreement
India played a crucial role in the agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius regarding the Chagos Archipelago. India supported Mauritius’s position on decolonization while encouraging both parties to negotiate openly for mutual benefits. The agreement allows the UK to retain the military base on Diego Garcia while Mauritius can resettle other islands. This marks a significant geopolitical shift and completes Mauritius’s decolonization.
Background
The UK announced it would return sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, allowing displaced people to return, while maintaining the British-US military base on Diego Garcia. This decision follows the International Court of Justice’s 2019 recommendation for the UK to cede the territory.
India’s Support
India has consistently backed Mauritius’s claim over Chagos, aligning with its stance on decolonization and sovereignty. The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the agreement, emphasizing India’s commitment to maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean.
Historical Context
The UK had controlled the Chagos region since 1814, detaching it from Mauritius in 1965 to create the British Indian Ocean Territory. In the 1970s, the UK evicted residents to establish a military base on Diego Garcia, leased to the US.
Doubts Revealed
Chagos Archipelago -: The Chagos Archipelago is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. It has been a point of dispute between the UK and Mauritius, as both countries have claimed rights over it.
UK -: UK stands for the United Kingdom, which is a country in Europe. It includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Mauritius -: Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, near Africa. It was once a colony of the UK but is now an independent country.
Decolonization -: Decolonization is the process of a colony gaining independence from a colonial power. In this context, it means Mauritius gaining full control over the Chagos Archipelago from the UK.
Diego Garcia -: Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago. It has a military base that is used by the UK and the USA.
Geopolitical shift -: A geopolitical shift refers to a change in the way countries interact and balance power. This agreement changes the power dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.
Maritime security -: Maritime security involves protecting the seas and oceans from threats like piracy and illegal fishing. It is important for safe trade and travel on the water.
