India’s Strategic Role in UK-Mauritius Agreement on Chagos Archipelago

India has been involved in the recent agreement between the UK and Mauritius concerning the future of the Chagos Archipelago, wherein the UK has relinquished sovereignty to Mauritius, retaining control over Diego Garcia for 99 more years to maintain military operations. This development follows extensive negotiations and underscores India’s support for Mauritius’s claims, emphasizing the importance of regional stability amid rising geopolitical tensions.

In a significant diplomatic development, the United Kingdom and Mauritius have reached an agreement regarding the future of the Chagos Archipelago, a pivotal group of islands in the Indian Ocean. This development is notable for India, given its strategic interests in the region and its relationships with both Mauritius and the UK. Under this agreement, the UK has conceded its claim to the Chagos Archipelago, including the critical island of Diego Garcia, and has transferred sovereignty to Mauritius. However, the UK will maintain administrative control over Diego Garcia for a period of 99 years to ensure the continued operation of the military base utilized by both the UK and the United States. The joint statement issued by the two nations emphasized the collaborative role played by their close partners, the United States and India, during the negotiations. The discussions spanned over eleven rounds since 2022, reflecting a sustained effort towards resolution. Previously, the UK’s former Foreign Secretary, Mr. James Cleverly, indicated to the British Parliament that the government recognizes the interests of India and the United States regarding this issue and has committed to keeping them informed. India has consistently supported Mauritius’s claim over the Chagos Archipelago, advocating for decolonization and the sovereignty of nations. During his visit to Mauritius earlier this year, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, reaffirmed India’s position: “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 a security front, this agreement permits the ongoing operation of the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia amidst the rising influence of China within the Indian Ocean region. The implications of this agreement extend to the broader Indo-Pacific area, where India, Mauritius, the UK, and the US are central stakeholders. The British High Commissioner to India, Ms. Lindy Cameron, articulated the significance of this agreement, stating, “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’s Ministry of External Affairs has expressed approval of the agreement, highlighting the resolution of this long-standing dispute through bilateral negotiations as a positive development that adheres to international law. Reports indicate that India played a crucial role in encouraging dialogue and negotiating an outcome beneficial to all parties involved. This agreement is seen as a long-term factor for bolstering security in the Indian Ocean, where Diego Garcia serves as a vital military outpost for the United States, influencing regional power dynamics since its establishment in the early 1970s. The strategic significance of Diego Garcia cannot be overstated, as it has facilitated numerous military operations in various global conflicts. The announcement of this agreement has been welcomed by US President Biden, coinciding with previous recommendations from the International Court of Justice and overwhelming support from the United Nations General Assembly for Mauritius’s claim against the UK’s administration of the Chagos Archipelago.

The Chagos Archipelago, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, has long been a point of contention due to its historical ties to decolonization and sovereignty disputes. The UK’s claim to this territory has been in question since the International Court of Justice advised in 2019 that the UK should relinquish its administration over the islands to Mauritius. The archipelago is also home to Diego Garcia, a strategically important military base for the United States and the UK, which plays a crucial role in various military operations across the globe. The ongoing negotiations between Mauritius and the UK signify an important step in addressing historical grievances and promoting stability in the Indian Ocean region, which is increasingly becoming a focal point for international security concerns, particularly against the backdrop of China’s growing influence.

The recent agreement between the UK and Mauritius regarding the Chagos Archipelago marks a pivotal moment in international diplomacy, particularly for India, given its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region. With the UK relinquishing its claim while retaining control over Diego Garcia for military purposes, the deal underscores the collaborative efforts among the key players, including the United States and India, to promote stability and security in the region. India’s ongoing support for Mauritius’s sovereignty resonates with its stance on decolonization and territorial integrity, further solidifying its role in regional and global geopolitics. Overall, this agreement not only resolves a long-standing dispute but also strengthens the cooperative security landscape in the Indo-Pacific.

Original Source: www.wionews.com