UK transfers Chagos Island sovereignty to Mauritius, India welcomes move

New Delhi, Oct 4 (EFE).- India has welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to transfer sovereignty over the long-disputed Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, marking a significant step in the decolonization of the Indian Ocean nation.

The Labour government agreed to transfer the group of over 60 islands in the Indian Ocean in a deal reached on Thursday, which also ensures the continued operation of a strategically important UK-US military base on the Diego Garcia island.

“We welcome the agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, including Diego Garcia,” the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement.

“This significant understanding completes the decolonisation of Mauritius.”

The ministry said India consistently supported Mauritius’ claim to the Chagos Archipelago, in accordance with its position on decolonization and respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

India, along with the US, participated in negotiations between the UK and Mauritius over Chagos sovereignty.

Located in the central Indian Ocean, the Chagos Archipelago lies about 500 km south of the Maldives and 1,600 km southwest of India.

Under the terms of the treaty, the UK will recognize Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth announced that the agreement would be implemented «as soon as possible.»

«This marks a pivotal moment in our relationship and reflects our shared commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the rule of law,» a joint statement read.

Both nations agreed to ensure the long-term, secure operation of the Diego Garcia base, which plays a critical role in regional and global security. For an initial period of 99 years, the UK will continue to exercise the sovereign rights and authority necessary to maintain operations at the base, under Mauritius’ sovereignty.

The UK has controlled the region since 1814. In 1965, it separated the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, which gained independence from Britain in 1968.

In the early 1970s, nearly 2,000 Chagossians were forcibly removed to Mauritius and the Seychelles to clear the way for the airbase on Diego Garcia, which Britain leased to the United States in 1966.

US President Joe Biden praised the “historic agreement,” calling it a clear example of how diplomacy and partnership can resolve longstanding historical disputes.

«This agreement affirms Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago while allowing the UK to exercise the sovereign rights of Mauritius with respect to Diego Garcia,» Biden said in a statement.

He emphasized the strategic importance of the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, which enables rapid crisis response and enhances regional stability.

“The agreement secures the effective operation of the joint facility on Diego Garcia well into the next century,” Biden said.

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