UK transfer the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius

Source: The post UK transfer the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius has been created, based on the article “UK-Mauritius Chagos Deal: Crossroads for India’s strategic autonomy” published in “Indian Express” on 9th October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests,

Context: The article discusses the UK’s decision to transfer the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius. This move affects Indian Ocean geopolitics. It also discusses India’s role, the strategic importance of Diego Garcia, and balancing ties with the US while countering China’s influence.

For detailed information on Why Mauritius is calling UK an ‘illegal colonial occupier’ over a tiny set of islands read this article here

Why did the UK transfer the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius?

1. International Pressure: The UK transferred the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius due to mounting international pressure from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN General Assembly, and several regional states, including India.
2. UK’s Strategic Interests: while the UK transferred sovereignty of the archipelago, it ensured US-UK control over Diego Garcia for 99 years, maintaining strategic interests.
3. Pragmatic Move: UK viewed the transfer as a pragmatic move to align with international consensus and avoid diplomatic challenges.

How does this affect India’s role in the Indian Ocean?

1. Diego Garcia Access: India could potentially gain access to Diego Garcia’s military facilities, supporting its naval patrols, anti-piracy operations, and intelligence gathering.
2. Countering China: With China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, including bases in Djibouti and Pakistan, India can leverage closer cooperation with the US to counterbalance Beijing’s influence.
3. Strategic Autonomy: India’s access to Diego Garcia raises concerns about maintaining strategic autonomy, as deeper cooperation with the US may complicate India’s foreign policy, especially with non-Western nations like Russia and Iran.
4. Mauritius Partnership: India can help Mauritius safeguard its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) against illegal fishing, particularly by China, enhancing regional security without direct intervention.
5. Middle East Relations: India needs to manage relations in the Middle East, especially with growing tensions between Israel (a US ally) and Iran, a key Indian partner.

What is the Future of India’s Regional Strategy?

1. India aims to maintain its role as an independent regional power. This involves balancing its relationships with Western countries and other global partners.
   2. The agreement with Mauritius offers an opportunity for India to enhance its maritime security collaboration and assert its presence in the Indian Ocean, countering China’s growing influence without aligning too closely with Western political strategies in the Middle East.

Question for practice:

Examine how the transfer of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius impacts India’s role in the Indian Ocean region.