Diego Garcia, a small yet strategically significant island in the southern Indian Ocean, has emerged as a focal point in global power dynamics. Despite its modest size of 30 square kilometers, the island exerts a disproportionate influence on international affairs due to its unique geopolitical status. Belonging to Mauritius, controlled by the United Kingdom, and occupied by the United States, Diego Garcia also attracts the attention of China. This complex situation unfolds in India’s immediate vicinity and poses critical questions about the island’s future.
Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago and an atoll with a coral ring-shaped lagoon, serves as a key military base for the U.S. The U.S. leased the island from the U.K. in the 1960s for a 50-year period, which was extended by 20 years to 2036. The lease’s longevity underscores the island’s strategic importance for U.S. military operations, including surveillance, and regional security, particularly in deterring Chinese ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region.
The issue of Diego Garcia’s status is deeply rooted in its historical and legal complexities. In 1965, Britain declared Chagos a British Indian Ocean Territory, a move that excluded Mauritius from claiming sovereignty over the islands. The Chagossians, the indigenous people, were forcibly removed from Diego Garcia and other islands in the archipelago, with most relocated to Mauritius, Seychelles, or the U.K.
The international community has been involved in the dispute over Chagos for years. On June 22, 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 71/292, requesting the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to address the legality of the separation of Chagos from Mauritius. The ICJ ruled that the separation was illegal and that the U.K. was obligated to end its administration of the archipelago as swiftly as possible. This ruling was reinforced on February 25, 2019, with the court reaffirming that the decolonization process of Mauritius was not lawfully completed when it gained independence.
Despite these findings, the U.K. has refused to comply with the ICJ ruling. Negotiations between the U.K. and Mauritius have been ongoing, with British Foreign Minister David Lammy announcing in November 2022 that discussions were underway to resolve the sovereignty issue while ensuring the continued operation of the U.K./U.S. military base. However, the negotiations have yet to produce a resolution.
The strategic significance of Diego Garcia lies in its location. Positioned approximately 1,800 kilometers from India and more than 4,000 kilometers from other major landmasses, Diego Garcia is a critical asset for U.S. military operations, including surveillance and deterrence. The island’s advanced military infrastructure plays a crucial role in U.S. defense strategies, including monitoring sea lanes and preparing for potential conflicts involving China, particularly in the Taiwan Strait.
The current British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, faces pressure to address the Chagos issue. While Starmer has not yet indicated a definitive stance, the Labour Party has historically advocated for compliance with international law and addressing historical injustices. Lammy, as a former Opposition leader, criticized the U.K. government’s delay in resolving the Chagos issue and emphasized the need for a settlement that aligns with international law.
The current British Prime Minister, Keir Satremer, faces pressure to address Chagos issue. WHile Satarmer has not yet indicated a definitive stance
Recent diplomatic activity has also seen U.K. Foreign Minister David Lammy visiting India in July 2023, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior officials. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed support for Mauritius regarding the Chagos dispute during his visit to the island nation.
As the deadline for the U.K.-U.S. lease approaches in 2036, several unresolved questions remain. Will the U.K. return Chagos to Mauritius? Will the U.S. vacate Diego Garcia? Can Mauritius balance strategic interests with its sovereignty claims? How will China’s actions influence the situation?
The fate of Diego Garcia will significantly impact global power dynamics and regional security. The ongoing debate underscores the intersection of international law, strategic interests, and historical grievances, with the potential to shape geopolitical landscapes for years to come.
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By Ramesh Ramachandran (DD India)