In a landmark agreement, the United Kingdom and Mauritius have resolved long standing sovereignty issues over the Chagos Archipelago, ensuring the continued operation of the crucial UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. This deal represents a significant diplomatic achievement, affirming the security of the base while reinforcing both countries’ roles in maintaining international stability in the Indian Ocean region.
The agreement, reached on October 3, 2024, settles historical disputes over the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and paves the way for Mauritius to regain sovereignty over the archipelago. Diego Garcia, a central part of this chain of islands, will remain under the joint control of the UK and the US for military purposes, with Mauritius exercising sovereignty. The US and UK have agreed to maintain operations at the base for an initial period of 99 years.
Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia plays a vital role in international security, serving as a strategic platform for military operations in the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa. The base has been a crucial asset in counterterrorism efforts and regional security initiatives since the 1970s. Both the UK and the US rely on this facility for maintaining military readiness and safeguarding global stability.
Without this agreement, the future of the base would have been in jeopardy due to legal challenges and contested sovereignty claims, particularly in international courts. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that the deal resolves these challenges, securing the base’s long-term operation. “Today’s agreement secures this vital military base for the future. It will strengthen our role in safeguarding global security and shut down any possibility of the Indian Ocean being used as a dangerous illegal migration route to the UK,” Lammy said in an official statement.
India’s Enduring Support for Mauritius
India has consistently supported Mauritius in its sovereignty claims over the Chagos Archipelago, reflecting a broader principle of upholding the territorial integrity of smaller nations. This support has been rooted in the shared cultural and historical ties between India and Mauritius, as well as India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region.
With the finalization of this agreement, India’s long-standing support for Mauritius is vindicated, as the deal aligns with New Delhi’s vision of a secure and stable Indian Ocean region. India’s backing of Mauritius also underscores its broader role in regional diplomacy and as a champion of decolonization efforts on the global stage.
Migration and Security Concerns Addressed
The agreement also addresses growing concerns over illegal migration in the Indian Ocean region. Diego Garcia has seen a small influx of vulnerable migrants since 2021, with some asylum claims being filed. The deal assigns responsibility for managing any future migrant arrivals to Mauritius, closing a potential route for illegal migration to the UK. This aspect of the agreement is critical for both the UK and its international partners, as it helps mitigate risks associated with unchecked migration through this strategic region.
In a statement, the White House applauded the agreement, with President Joe Biden noting that it “secures the effective operation of the joint facility on Diego Garcia into the next century.” The US emphasized that Diego Garcia remains indispensable for national and regional security.
A New Chapter in UK-Mauritius Relations
The UK-Mauritius agreement marks a turning point in their relationship, setting the stage for stronger diplomatic and economic ties. While legal and treaty formalities are still pending, both sides are committed to finalizing the process swiftly. The deal ensures that the sovereignty transition happens smoothly, without disrupting military operations, while also addressing long-standing historical grievances.