India’s Subtle Role in UK’s Transfer of Chagos Islands to Mauritius

Feature and Cover India's Subtle Role in UK's Transfer of Chagos Islands to Mauritius

India has quietly played an instrumental role in supporting the UK’s decision to return sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a move seen as a step toward erasing the last remnants of colonization. Sources revealed that India consistently backed the call to eliminate the vestiges of colonial rule.

New Delhi’s contributions were recognized in the joint statement issued by the UK and Mauritius, which officially acknowledged the role played by India and the United States in reaching the political agreement. The statement read, “In reaching today’s political agreement, we have enjoyed the full support and assistance of our close partners, the United States of America and the Republic of India.”

According to informed sources, India persistently encouraged both the UK and Mauritius to engage in negotiations with an open mind, aiming for a solution that would be beneficial to both sides. They added, “The final outcome is a win for all sides involved and will reinforce long-term security in the Indian Ocean region.” This perspective suggests that the resolution of the Chagos Islands issue is not only significant for Mauritius but also for the broader security and strategic stability in the region.

India’s long-standing support for Mauritius’ claim to the Chagos Islands was reaffirmed when New Delhi officially welcomed the agreement. In a statement, India emphasized its consistent backing for Mauritius in line with its principles on decolonization and its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. India’s statement read, “India has consistently supported Mauritius’s claim for sovereignty over Chagos, in line with its principled stand on decolonization and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, as well as its longstanding and close partnership with Mauritius.”

The UK’s decision to return the Chagos Islands has been a long time coming, and the country has faced growing international pressure over the years. In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the UK’s continued control of the Chagos Islands was illegal. The ICJ ruling dealt a significant blow to Britain’s position, further escalating the pressure on the UK to act. Shortly after the ICJ ruling, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly supported a resolution calling on the UK to relinquish control of the islands.

Despite this, the UK had resisted, citing the importance of the Diego Garcia military base located on one of the Chagos Islands. The base has been a vital strategic asset, particularly for the United States, in conducting military operations throughout the Indian Ocean and Gulf regions. The geopolitical significance of the base had made the UK reluctant to cede control over the islands, fearing it could weaken the strategic presence of both the UK and its allies, particularly the U.S., in the region.

Nevertheless, after years of negotiations, the UK has now agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This political agreement comes after two years of talks between the two nations. Both countries have emphasized that the discussions were held respectfully, with both sides acting as equal sovereign states. While the agreement represents significant progress, it is still subject to the finalization of a treaty and related legal documents. The UK and Mauritius have expressed their commitment to completing these steps as quickly as possible.

India’s involvement in this matter reflects its growing focus on the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean region, particularly in response to China’s expanding influence. Over the past decade, New Delhi has increased its efforts to strengthen its maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean, and its relationship with Mauritius has been a key part of this strategy. Mauritius occupies a critical position in the southwestern Indian Ocean, acting as a gateway to the Atlantic Ocean, making it an essential partner in India’s efforts to secure its maritime interests.

India’s focus on the Indian Ocean is not limited to its relationship with Mauritius. The country has also been actively cultivating ties with other nations strategically located in the region. India has been working to strengthen its relationships with countries around the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Malacca, and southern Africa. These areas are crucial chokepoints in international trade routes, and India’s growing presence there allows it to counterbalance China’s increasing influence in the region.

In addition to Mauritius, India has expanded its outreach efforts to countries such as Madagascar, Mozambique, and Seychelles. By enhancing ties with these nations, India is positioning itself as a major player in the Indian Ocean region and securing its interests amid the evolving geopolitical landscape.

India’s maritime strategy and its quiet diplomacy in the case of the Chagos Islands highlight New Delhi’s broader approach to foreign policy. Rather than taking overt or aggressive stances, India often operates behind the scenes, using diplomacy and strategic partnerships to achieve its goals. Its involvement in the Chagos Islands issue demonstrates its ability to influence international matters in a way that aligns with its long-term strategic interests, particularly in the Indian Ocean.

The political agreement between the UK and Mauritius is a significant development in the region, and India’s role in encouraging dialogue and resolution will likely enhance its standing as a key player in Indian Ocean security. With its growing ties to nations throughout the region and its focus on maritime security, India is positioning itself to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Indian Ocean and ensuring stability and security in the area.

India’s involvement in the resolution of the Chagos Islands dispute is a clear example of its quiet but significant role in global diplomacy. Through consistent support for Mauritius’ sovereignty and a focus on strategic outcomes, India has helped to bring about a solution that benefits not only Mauritius but also enhances security in the Indian Ocean. This agreement marks a significant step forward in addressing the remnants of colonization and reinforces India’s influence in the region. As New Delhi continues to cultivate relationships with key nations in the Indian Ocean, its role as a major maritime power is becoming increasingly apparent.

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