United Kingdom hands sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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United Kingdom hands sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius

Posted 05 Oct 2024

2 min read

Both countries have reached a historic political agreement to hand over Chagos Islands to Mauritius (Still subject to finalization of a treaty). 

 

  • While US-UK base will remain on Diego Garcia atoll.
Chagos Archipelago in Indian Ocean Region, with map also showing mauritus, Madagascar, Seychelles & India

About Chagos Archipelago

  • It is an island group, located 500 km south of Maldives in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Uninhabited until 18th century, later French colonized it. French ceded island to British in 1814.
  • British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT): Formed by UK in 1965, with Chagos as a central part.
    • Some BIOT islands were ceded to Seychelles in 1976.
  • Archipelago was detached from Mauritius by UK in 1965, three years before Mauritius gained independence.

Significance of Treaty

  • Addressing colonial legacy: Ends a long-standing dispute over last British colony in Africa.
  • Regional Security Dynamics: As Mauritius may seek to balance its relations with major powers.
  • Security Importance: Diego Garcia base allows US to monitor Malacca Strait, crucial for global trade, and maintain its presence in IOR.
  • Compliance with International Law: Handing over island is aligned with judgment of International Court of Justice In 2019 & UNGA resolution in 2019.
    • India supported Mauritius' claim by voting in its favor at UNGA in 2019
      • It was in line with India’s “principled stand on decolonization and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations”.
  • Tags :
  • Mauritius
  • India-Mauritius
  • Chagos Archipelago
  • Diego Garcia atoll
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