NEW DELHI: In a significant ruling, the British government has consented to transfer sovereignty of the long-disputed Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while maintaining control over Diego Garcia for an initial duration of 99 years, during which it will pay an undisclosed rental fee.
The Chagos Islands comprise an archipelago of over 60 islands located in the Indian Ocean. Diego Garcia, the largest of these islands, is home to a strategically vital military base operated by the UK and the US.
India has expressed its approval of the agreement. “We welcome the accord between the United Kingdom and Mauritius regarding the restoration of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, including Diego Garcia. This important agreement finalizes the decolonization process of Mauritius. The resolution of the protracted Chagos dispute, following two years of negotiations and in accordance with international law, is a positive development,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
India has consistently backed Mauritius’s claim to sovereignty over Chagos, aligning with its principled stance on decolonization and its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, as well as its enduring partnership with Mauritius.
“India remains dedicated to collaborating with Mauritius and other like-minded nations to enhance maritime safety and security, thereby contributing to greater peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region,” the MEA further noted.
In the meantime, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy remarked that the agreement ensures the future of the crucial military base.
“It will bolster our role in ensuring global security, eliminate any potential for the Indian Ocean to be exploited as a hazardous illegal migration route to the UK, and solidify our long-term relationship with Mauritius, a valued Commonwealth ally,” Lammy stated.
