UK-MAURITIUS TREATY ON CHAGOS ARCHIPELAGO, DIEGO GARCIA

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Context:

The United Kingdom announced to give sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago back to Mauritius.

Details

The U.K. and Mauritius have reached a political agreement to transfer Mauritius sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia. However, the U.K. will still have the right to operate the military base on Diego Garcia for the next 99 years. This deal benefits both countries. Mauritius gets its land back, and the U.K. can continue using the base, which is crucial for global security.

About Chagos Archipelago

1. The Chagos Archipelago is located about 500 kilometres south of the Maldives, it consists of about 58 islands in the Indian Ocean.
2. These islands were mostly uninhabited until the late 18th century when the French brought slaves from Africa and India to work on coconut plantations. In 1814, Britain took control of the islands after they were surrendered by France.
3. In 1965, the UK formed the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), which included the Chagos Islands. Interestingly, these islands were administratively attached to Mauritius. However, when Mauritius gained independence in 1968, the UK decided to keep Chagos for itself. 

Mauritius demanded control over the Chagos Islands arise of a strong sense of national identity and historical injustice. The islands were detached from Mauritius without proper consent, which many Mauritians see as a violation of their sovereignty. The native population "Chagossians" was forcibly removed in the 1960s and 1970s to construct a U.S. military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago.  

About Diego Garcia

The island has a strong U.S. military base, which plays a vital role in the US military operations in the Indian Ocean and beyond. This base is essential for intelligence, surveillance, and military logistics. The presence of U.S. forces strengthens security in the Indian Ocean region and helps maintain peace. The transfer of sovereignty raises several questions about the future of the military base.

For India, the UK-Mauritius agreement offers an opportunity to strengthen its ties with Mauritius. The Islands are strategically located and India's active involvement could help in maintaining a balance of power in the Indian Ocean.

Way Forward

The recent agreement between the UK and Mauritius shows that former colonial powers recognized the rights of nations they once controlled. This treaty can lead to improved relations between the UK and Mauritius, and also encourage collaboration with the U.S. and India to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.

Source: 

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.‘Chagos Archipelago’ is frequently seen in the news, it is located in: A) Pacific Ocean B) Atlantic Ocean C) Indian Ocean D) Southern Ocean Answer: C Explanation: The Chagos Archipelago is located in the central Indian Ocean, about 500 km south of the Maldives.