India Backs Mauritius’ Efforts to Reclaim Chagos Archipelago

India has officially expressed its support for Mauritius’ ongoing efforts to reclaim sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. This endorsement comes as the island nation intensifies its campaign to regain control over the territory, which has been under British administration since the 1960s.

During a high-level meeting in New Delhi, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s backing for Mauritius, reiterating the importance of adhering to international legal frameworks and respecting sovereign rights. “India stands firmly with Mauritius in its rightful claim over the Chagos Archipelago,” Jaishankar stated. “We urge all parties to engage in dialogue and seek a resolution based on the principles of international law.”

The Chagos Archipelago, a group of over 60 islands in the Indian Ocean, has been a contentious issue for decades. In 1965, the United Kingdom separated the archipelago from Mauritius prior to granting the latter independence. The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a significant U.S. military base, further complicating the sovereignty dispute.

Mauritius has consistently maintained that the separation of the Chagos Islands was illegal and has sought international support for its claim. In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered an advisory opinion favouring Mauritius, stating that the decolonization process of Mauritius was not lawfully completed and that the UK should relinquish control of the islands.

India’s support is seen as a boost to Mauritius’ position, particularly in light of its growing influence on the global stage. The move aligns with India’s broader strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region, where it seeks to foster stability and strengthen ties with neighbouring countries.

The British government has yet to respond to India’s statement. However, the UK’s previous stance has been to maintain that it will cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius when it is no longer needed for defence purposes, particularly referencing the strategic importance of the Diego Garcia base.

International reactions to India’s endorsement have been varied, with some nations applauding the move as a step towards correcting historical injustices, while others view it as a potential flashpoint in geopolitical relations.

As the debate over the Chagos Archipelago continues, the global community will be watching closely to see how this support influences the negotiations and the future of the disputed territory.