Chagos Islands Agreement

Why in News

On May 22, 2025, under a historic agreement, the United Kingdom has announced to hand over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This agreement has ended the decades-old rule of the British administration on the Indian Ocean archipelago, which has been the subject of ongoing legal and diplomatic disputes since the separation of the islands from Mauritius in 1965.

Key provisions of the agreement

• Transfer of sovereignty: Britain has officially accepted Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.
  • This is being seen as the completion of the process of colonial dissolution.
• Special provision of Diego Garcia: A major US military base is located on Diego Garcia, which is strategically very important for Africa, Central Asia and Asia.
  • Under the agreement, Mauritius will get sovereignty but Britain and America will jointly use the strategic military base located at Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years and Mauritius will receive $ 136 million per year for this.

About Chagos Archipelago

• Location: The Chagos Archipelago, located between Maldives and Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, is a group of more than 60 islands, of which Diego Garcia is the most prominent.

• Major Islands: The largest atolls of the Chagos Archipelago are Diego Garcia located in the south-east and Peros Banhos and Solomon Islands located in the north.
• Historical background: In the year 1965, Britain separated this archipelago from Mauritius and declared it British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Shortly thereafter, the indigenous inhabitants of the island were forcibly evicted and the US established a military base on Diego Garcia.
  • Role of the United Nations and the International Court of Justice
  • In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) said in its advisory opinion that Britain had illegally separated the Chagos archipelago. The United Nations General Assembly also appealed to Britain to return it to Mauritius.

Regional impact and implications for India

• Balance of power in the Indian Ocean
  • This development is a diplomatic success for India due to India's strong partnership with Mauritius.
  • It strengthens engagement with local allies against external influences such as China.
• SAGAR policy and India's maritime vision
  • India's 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region: SAGAR) policy aims to promote regional maritime security and cooperation.
  • In this context, the resolution of the Chagos dispute strengthens maritime peace, stability and prosperity.
• Boosting India-Mauritius Relations: The two countries share strong cultural, linguistic, historical and economic ties. This development provides new energy and strategic depth to bilateral relations.

Conclusion

The return of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius is not just a regional geopolitical event but a historic step towards international justice, decolonisation and adherence to global laws. India’s support in this process reaffirms its enduring foreign policy principles and underlines India’s commitment to stability in the Indian Ocean.