The Chagos Islands: A Turning Point in Sovereignty and Geopolitics

The Chagos Islands Sovereignty Transfer

The recent development regarding the Chagos Islands is monumental. The United Kingdom (UK) has decided to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, which includes the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia, to Mauritius, marking a historic agreement in international relations.

Countries Involved

This agreement is primarily between the United Kingdom and Mauritius, signifying a shift in regional governance.

Sovereignty Status

As part of this agreement, Mauritius will officially gain sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, thereby ending more than 50 years of UK control. This transition is crucial for the Mauritian government and its people.

Diego Garcia's Role

Despite the change in sovereignty, the UK will retain full responsibility for the security of Diego Garcia, which houses a joint UK-US military base. This arrangement highlights the strategic importance of the location.

Historical Context

The UK has maintained rights over the Chagos Islands since detaching them from Mauritius in 1965. Various significant court rulings have addressed this dispute, culminating in a series of landmark decisions:

• In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the UK's separation of the islands was unlawful and mandated an end to its administration.
• The UK High Court has recently facilitated the UK Prime Minister's efforts to formalize the agreement with Mauritius.
• In 2015, the Permanent Court of Arbitration found the UK’s declaration of a marine protected area around the Chagos Archipelago was in violation of international law.
• The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2019 affirming that the Chagos Archipelago is an integral part of Mauritius.

Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia

Diego Garcia is of significant strategic importance due to its central location in the Indian Ocean. The joint UK-US military base located there allows for:

• Power projection by both nations in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
• Support for various operational activities, including counter-terrorism and addressing threats from hostile states.
• Servicing unique security capabilities that are irreplaceable for both countries.
• Centrality to emergency planning and operations.
• Strategic positioning between major international shipping routes.

India's Reaction

India has welcomed the UK's decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The Indian government has consistently supported Mauritius's legitimate claim over the archipelago, aligning with its principled stance on decolonization, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Official Statements

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the signing of the treaty between the UK and Mauritius regarding the return of Mauritian sovereignty as a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region. They emphasized that it marks the culmination of the decolonization process of Mauritius in accordance with international law and a rules-based order.

Timeline of Events

The announcement was made public on May 23, 2025, following the UK's decision on May 22, 2025. This development follows an understanding reached between the two nations in October 2024.

Broader Implications

The formal resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute through this bilateral treaty is seen as a significant achievement. India remains committed to collaborating closely with Mauritius and other like-minded nations to enhance maritime security and promote stability in the Indian Ocean region.