U.K. to Hand Sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius

Context:

• The United Kingdom has signed an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, bringing closure to a decades-long colonial and legal dispute.
• While sovereignty will vest with Mauritius, the strategically crucial Diego Garcia island will continue to host a U.S. military base, leased by the U.K. for 99 years.
• The agreement follows sustained international legal pressure, including an ICJ advisory opinion (2019) and a UN General Assembly resolution backing decolonisation.

Key Highlights:

Historical Background:

• The Chagos Archipelago was detached from Mauritius in 1965 by the U.K., just before Mauritian independence in 1968.
• Between 1968 and 1973, over 1,500 Chagossians were forcibly evicted to facilitate the establishment of a U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.
• Mauritius has consistently argued that this separation violated international law and the principle of territorial integrity of colonies.

Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia:

• Diego Garcia hosts a major U.S. naval and air base in the Indian Ocean.
• Plays a critical role in:
  • Counter-terrorism operations
  • Maritime surveillance
  • Military operations across West Asia and the Indo-Pacific
• Under the agreement:
  • Sovereignty rests with Mauritius
  • The base remains operational under a U.K. lease, with the U.K. paying £101 million annually to Mauritius

Legal and Diplomatic Developments:

• International Court of Justice (2019):
  • Held that the U.K.’s continued administration of Chagos was unlawful
  • Recommended return of the islands to Mauritius
• UN General Assembly:
  • Voted 116–6 in favour of decolonisation and restoration of sovereignty
• Domestic Legal Hiccup:
  • A U.K. judge temporarily halted the transfer following petitions by Chagossian women
  • Petitioners feared loss of future right of return and compensation

Humanitarian Dimension:

• Chagossians were displaced to:
  • Mauritius
  • Seychelles
  • United Kingdom
• Many continue to seek:
  • Right of return
  • Rehabilitation and compensation
• The agreement has reignited debates on historical injustice and restorative justice.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Decolonisation and sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.
• Key Locations:
  • Chagos Archipelago
  • Diego Garcia
• Institutions Involved:
  • International Court of Justice (ICJ)
  • UN General Assembly
• Key Concepts:
  • Decolonisation under international law
  • Strategic lease agreements
• Important Facts:
  • ICJ advisory opinion in 2019
  • Annual lease payment: £101 million
• Impact:
  • Strengthens international norms against colonial territorial fragmentation

Relevant Mains Points:

• International Law & World History Linkages:
  • Reinforces the principle that colonial dismemberment violates self-determination.
  • Highlights the growing authority of ICJ advisory opinions in shaping state behaviour.
• Geopolitical Implications in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR):
  • Diego Garcia remains a cornerstone of Western strategic presence.
  • India has stakes in IOR stability, given:
    • Proximity to key sea lanes
    • China’s expanding maritime footprint
• India–Mauritius Relations:
  • India has consistently supported Mauritius’ sovereignty claim.
  • Strong maritime cooperation, including Agalega island infrastructure development.
• Governance & Ethical Dimensions:
  • Raises questions on balancing:
    • Strategic military interests
    • Human rights of displaced populations
• Way Forward:
  • Ensure meaningful rehabilitation and right of return for Chagossians.
  • Develop transparent frameworks for sovereignty-transfer-with-lease models.
  • Uphold rules-based international order and strengthen decolonisation mechanisms.
  • For India, deepen engagement in the Indian Ocean through diplomacy, development, and maritime partnerships.