UK to hand over important islands in Indian Ocean to Mauritius, but there's a catch
Illustrative photo: The UK will transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago (Getty Images)
The United Kingdom will transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius. The British government announced this decision on October 3, BBC informs.
It is noted that the agreement was reached after years of negotiations and involves the historic transfer of the Chagos Islands from the United Kingdom to Mauritius. These islands include the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia, which is used by the US government as a military base for its ships and long-range bomber aircraft.
It is known that the US-British base will remain on Diego Garcia. This is a key factor that facilitates the agreement amid rising geopolitical competition in the region between Western countries, India, and China. However, the agreement is still subject to final approval.
"This is a seminal moment in our relationship and a demonstration of our enduring commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the rule of law," said a statement from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth.
They also stated their commitment to "ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the existing base on Diego Garcia which plays a vital role in regional and global security."
What is known about the Chagos Archipelago
The Chagos Archipelago is a group of over 60 small islands located in the central part of the Indian Ocean, southeast of the Maldives. It holds significant geostrategic importance due to its location at the crossroads of key maritime routes.
Key facts about the Archipelago:
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British colonial history: Chagos is part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). The archipelago was separated from Mauritius in 1965 when the United Kingdom established BIOT. This decision has been controversial, as Mauritius still considers Chagos to be its territory.
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Military base: The largest island of the archipelago, Diego Garcia, hosts a significant military base for the US and the UK. This base is used for intelligence gathering, supporting military operations in the Middle East and Asia, as well as conducting missions during conflicts.
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Displacement of local population: In the 1960s and 1970s, the local inhabitants of the archipelago, known as Chagossians, were forcibly displaced to make way for the military base. They were relocated to Mauritius, Seychelles, and other countries, leading to long-standing legal battles for their right to return.
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International conflict: Mauritius has continued to demand the return of Chagos, arguing that the territory was unlawfully detached from the country during decolonization. In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the UK should return the archipelago to Mauritius, but British authorities have refused to comply with this decision.
Thus, the Chagos Archipelago is not only a strategic military outpost but also a focal point of a prolonged international conflict and struggle for the rights of the local population.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. During the meeting, he announced a new start in relations with the EU.
