The United Kingdom and Mauritius reached an historical agreement to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, a strategically significant archipelago in the Indian Ocean to hand over to Mauritius. The agreement allows Mauritius to regain sovereignty while ensuring the continued operation of the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.
Under Former PM Rishi Sunak government’s time negotiations were started for this agreement in 2022 and after 11 rounds of negotiations with the last government and with 2 rounds of negotiations with the present government made to finalize the decision.
Key Points of the Agreement
Historic Agreement:
- The UK and Mauritius have reached a significant political agreement on the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.
Negotiation Process:
- After two years of negotiations, the agreement reflects the nation’s commitment to peaceful resolution and the rule of law, addressing outstanding disputes including the displacement of Chagossians.
Sovereignty Transfer:
- The UK will recognize Mauritius as the sovereign power over the Chagos Archipelago under a treaty to be finalized, ensuring the military base on Diego Garcia continues for 99 years.
Resettlement:
- Mauritius will be able to resettle Chagossians on islands other than Diego Garcia. A UK-funded trust will support the welfare of the displaced population.
Economic and Environmental Cooperation:
- The UK will offer financial support, including indexed annual payments, and collaborate with Mauritius on infrastructure projects, environmental protection, and maritime security.
Partnership for Security:
- Both countries will work together to maintain maritime security, tackle illegal fishing, and protect the environment in the region.
Global Support:
- The agreement was backed by international partners, including the U.S. and India.
Strategic Significance
- The base’s location in the Indian Ocean plays a pivotal role in regional and global security.
- It makes it essential for both Western alliances and countering China’s expanding influence in the region.