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Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
This deal can trigger a new India-China power play
Chagos and the colonial legacy India's stakes in Mauritius Live Events China's expanding footprint Chagos, India's strategic leverage? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The recent agreement between the UK and Mauritius , where the UK has agreed in principle to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, marks a watershed moment in post-colonial geopolitics. While India has officially hailed the move as the completion of Mauritius's decolonisation process, the implications go far beyond historical justice or moral diplomacy. For India, this development opens new possibilities in its ongoing strategic contest with China for influence across the Indian Ocean region. On this wider maritime chessboard, the Chagos Islands may prove to be a crucial Chagos Archipelago, a group of over 60 small islands in the central Indian Ocean, has been under British control since the 1960s, when it was separated from Mauritius prior to the latter's independence. The United Kingdom then leased the largest island, Diego Garcia, to the United States, which turned it into a major military base. For decades, the Chagos issue remained a sticking point in Mauritius's decolonisation narrative, and its legal claim was supported by international courts and the United has consistently backed Mauritius's claims, both out of principle and geopolitical calculation. The transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius — albeit with the U.S. base likely to continue operating under existing arrangements — allows New Delhi a more open and potentially influential role in shaping the future security architecture of the central Indian stakes in Mauritius are not new. The two countries enjoy strong diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, underpinned by a shared history and a large Indo-Mauritian population. Nearly 70% of Mauritians are of Indian origin. Under a unique tradition, only Indian citizens, often top officials of Indian security and defence services, are appointed Mauritius' national security adviser and the head of the coast is among the top trading partners and investors in Mauritius, and it has strategically extended lines of credit, development assistance, and infrastructure investment to maintain its influence. India is building a Metro in Mauritius and also built its new Supreme Court building. Recently, the Indian government asked Indian airlines to bail out loss-hit Air 2015, India built a new airstrip and other military infrastructure on Agalega Island, another Mauritian territory. While officially described as supporting civilian use and improving connectivity, the facility is widely understood to have strategic value, potentially allowing India to monitor key maritime chokepoints and naval activity in the region. This development complements India's broader Indian Ocean strategy, which includes military agreements with Seychelles, Madagascar, and Oman, and a growing naval presence in the however, is not standing still. China's presence in the Indian Ocean has been growing rapidly through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), naval deployments, port development, and strategic partnerships. In 2019, China signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Mauritius — its first FTA with an African country — giving it a crucial economic and legal foothold in the island addition, China has funded infrastructure projects in Mauritius, including smart city projects and port modernization. While these developments are framed in economic terms, they potentially serve dual-use purposes, a hallmark of Chinese strategic investments. This expanding influence has naturally caused unease in New Delhi, which views China's Indian Ocean ambitions with deep the Chagos Islands possibly coming under the sovereignty of a friendly and closely aligned Mauritius, India gains several advantages in its strategic calculus. Control over the Chagos archipelago by Mauritius — a pro-India partner — alters the balance of influence in the central Indian Ocean. India could gain access or leverage over these islands to enhance its maritime domain awareness and patrol Diego Garcia will remain under US military use, Mauritius's sovereignty introduces a third actor into strategic dialogues. India, which shares robust defense ties with the US, could benefit from this triangle, facilitating intelligence sharing and operational Beijing establishing port access and naval agreements across the Indian Ocean — including Gwadar in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Djibouti — India needs strategic outposts of its own. The Chagos Islands, along with Agalega and other island partnerships, can serve as a counterweight. India has positioned itself as a net security provider in the IOR. Having influence over Chagos enhances its ability to counter piracy, trafficking, and other non-traditional threats, while also projecting hard power if strategic opportunity presented by the Chagos handover is significant, but it is not without challenges. First, the degree of India's access to or use of Chagos territory will depend on the terms Mauritius establishes, particularly in the context of the existing US lease of Diego Garcia. Second, India must be cautious not to provoke unnecessary tension with China, especially in a region where both nations are vying for influence through economic as well as military means. Moreover, the local sensitivities, especially surrounding the displaced Chagossian population and ongoing human rights concerns, mean that any Indian role must be diplomatically nuanced and development-oriented.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
This deal can trigger a new India-China power play
The recent agreement between the UK and Mauritius , where the UK has agreed in principle to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, marks a watershed moment in post-colonial geopolitics. While India has officially hailed the move as the completion of Mauritius's decolonisation process, the implications go far beyond historical justice or moral diplomacy. For India, this development opens new possibilities in its ongoing strategic contest with China for influence across the Indian Ocean region. On this wider maritime chessboard, the Chagos Islands may prove to be a crucial square. Chagos and the colonial legacy The Chagos Archipelago, a group of over 60 small islands in the central Indian Ocean, has been under British control since the 1960s, when it was separated from Mauritius prior to the latter's independence. The United Kingdom then leased the largest island, Diego Garcia, to the United States, which turned it into a major military base. For decades, the Chagos issue remained a sticking point in Mauritius's decolonisation narrative, and its legal claim was supported by international courts and the United Nations. India has consistently backed Mauritius's claims, both out of principle and geopolitical calculation. The transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius — albeit with the U.S. base likely to continue operating under existing arrangements — allows New Delhi a more open and potentially influential role in shaping the future security architecture of the central Indian Ocean. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo India's stakes in Mauritius India's stakes in Mauritius are not new. The two countries enjoy strong diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, underpinned by a shared history and a large Indo-Mauritian population. Nearly 70% of Mauritians are of Indian origin. Under a unique tradition, only Indian citizens, often top officials of Indian security and defence services, are appointed Mauritius' national security adviser and the head of the coast guard. India is among the top trading partners and investors in Mauritius, and it has strategically extended lines of credit, development assistance, and infrastructure investment to maintain its influence. India is building a Metro in Mauritius and also built its new Supreme Court building. Recently, the Indian government asked Indian airlines to bail out loss-hit Air Mauritius. Live Events In 2015, India built a new airstrip and other military infrastructure on Agalega Island, another Mauritian territory. While officially described as supporting civilian use and improving connectivity, the facility is widely understood to have strategic value, potentially allowing India to monitor key maritime chokepoints and naval activity in the region. This development complements India's broader Indian Ocean strategy, which includes military agreements with Seychelles, Madagascar, and Oman, and a growing naval presence in the region. China's expanding footprint Beijing, however, is not standing still. China's presence in the Indian Ocean has been growing rapidly through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), naval deployments, port development, and strategic partnerships. In 2019, China signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Mauritius — its first FTA with an African country — giving it a crucial economic and legal foothold in the island nation. In addition, China has funded infrastructure projects in Mauritius, including smart city projects and port modernization. While these developments are framed in economic terms, they potentially serve dual-use purposes, a hallmark of Chinese strategic investments. This expanding influence has naturally caused unease in New Delhi, which views China's Indian Ocean ambitions with deep suspicion. Chagos, India's strategic leverage? With the Chagos Islands possibly coming under the sovereignty of a friendly and closely aligned Mauritius, India gains several advantages in its strategic calculus. Control over the Chagos archipelago by Mauritius — a pro-India partner — alters the balance of influence in the central Indian Ocean. India could gain access or leverage over these islands to enhance its maritime domain awareness and patrol capabilities. While Diego Garcia will remain under US military use, Mauritius's sovereignty introduces a third actor into strategic dialogues. India, which shares robust defense ties with the US, could benefit from this triangle, facilitating intelligence sharing and operational coordination. With Beijing establishing port access and naval agreements across the Indian Ocean — including Gwadar in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Djibouti — India needs strategic outposts of its own. The Chagos Islands, along with Agalega and other island partnerships, can serve as a counterweight. India has positioned itself as a net security provider in the IOR. Having influence over Chagos enhances its ability to counter piracy, trafficking, and other non-traditional threats, while also projecting hard power if necessary. The strategic opportunity presented by the Chagos handover is significant, but it is not without challenges. First, the degree of India's access to or use of Chagos territory will depend on the terms Mauritius establishes, particularly in the context of the existing US lease of Diego Garcia. Second, India must be cautious not to provoke unnecessary tension with China, especially in a region where both nations are vying for influence through economic as well as military means. Moreover, the local sensitivities, especially surrounding the displaced Chagossian population and ongoing human rights concerns, mean that any Indian role must be diplomatically nuanced and development-oriented.
Spectator
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
How Starmer was stiched up over the Chagos islands
Yesterday, following a last-minute flurry of lawfare, the government published the text of its Chagos agreement with Mauritius. Future history books may well cite it as the perfect example of Britain ceasing to be a country that can be taken seriously. The agreement transfers to Mauritius the entire Chagos archipelago, including the Diego Garcia airbase, subject to a 99-year leaseback of the latter. The small print is worth noting. Mauritians and Mauritian companies are to have preference in employment on the base; it is to be operated in accordance with Mauritian environmental law; and the UK is to inform Mauritius of any warlike activity conducted from it. And a very large annual sum is to be paid to Mauritius for this privilege. This probably amounts in total to some £30 billion (the figure of £3.4
Mint
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Where are Chagos Islands? What is the UK-Mauritius deal? What is India's stance?
The United Kingdom has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, following a High Court ruling that has cleared the way for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formalise the contentious agreement. This deal brings an end to decades of British administration over the Indian Ocean archipelago - which has been the subject of ongoing legal and diplomatic disputes since the islands were detached from Mauritius in 1965. Starmer said that the base, operated by US forces, is crucial for British counterterrorism and intelligence and is 'right at the foundation of our safety and security at home.' Read | Britain signs multibillion dollar Chagos deal with Mauritius for control of US-UK air base 'By agreeing to this deal now on our terms, we're securing strong protections, including from malign influence, that will allow the base to operate well into the next century, helping to keep us safe for generations to come," Starmer told reporters at a UK military headquarters in Northwood, near London. The agreement is expected to cost UK taxpayers billions, although the government has not provided specific figures. Concerns have been raised by critics over national security, pointing to Mauritius's close trade ties with China. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labelled the decision as 'Labour chaos,' accusing Keir Starmer's government of 'surrendering British territory' and placing a significant 'burden' on taxpayers. Foreign Office officials had cautioned that any further delay could damage the UK's relations with both Mauritius and the United States. Despite the setback, Bertrice Pompe, who led the most recent legal challenge, pledged to persist in the campaign, stating, 'We're not Mauritians. We don't want to give up our rights.' Read | Historic! UK gives sovereignty of Chagos Island to Mauritius; India says 'consistently supported…' The transfer of sovereignty comes in the wake of a 2019 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, backed by the United Nations, which called on the UK to return the islands and bring an end to its colonial administration. Where Is Chagos Island? The Chagos Islands comprise a remote chain of over 60 islands situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, off the southern tip of India and to the south of the Maldives. The islands have been under British sovereignty since 1814, when they were ceded by France. The archipelago is perhaps most renowned for the military base on Diego Garcia, which has supported US military operations ranging from the Vietnam War to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2008, the US acknowledged that the base had also been used for secret rendition flights involving terror suspects. In 1965, Britain separated the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, a former British colony, three years prior to Mauritius gaining independence, and designated the area as the British Indian Ocean Territory. The US has described the base—home to approximately 2,500 personnel, predominantly American—as 'an almost indispensable platform' for security operations across the Middle East, South Asia and East Africa. More recently, the US deployed several nuclear-capable B-2 Spirit bombers to Diego Garcia amid an intense airstrike campaign targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels. The Chagos Refugees Group headquarters in Pointe aux Sables, near Port Louis, dozens of Chagossians came together to celebrate the signing of the agreement. The atmosphere was charged with emotion -- tears of joy were shed, firecrackers lit up the sky, and heartfelt tributes were exchanged. Speaking with BBC, one elderly woman, overwhelmed by the occasion, quietly said: "Now I can finally go there… and die in peace." Olivier Bancoult, the leader of the Chagos Refugees Group, described the occasion as "a historic day for us". "For years, talking to our children about Chagos felt like telling them a story about a place we never truly knew. Today, they will finally be able to walk the land of their ancestors," he added. Barrister Hisham Oozeer told the BBC the agreement represents a "win-win" — recognising Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, while also addressing the security interests of both the UK and the US. "But at least after more than 50 years, today Mauritius is fully independent and all Mauritians reunited. Today we have on one side the sovereignty of Mauritius over the Chagos Islands being confirmed, and also the safety element, which was important for the UK and USA, being preserved," he explained. Covilen Narsinghen, president of the Mauritius Global Diaspora, described the event as a milestone — completing Mauritius' decolonisation process and uniting all Mauritians under a single sovereign flag. India has welcomed the treaty signed between Mauritius and the United Kingdom, which restores Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. 'The formal resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute through this bilateral treaty is a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region. This is further to the understanding between the two sides reached in October 2024 and marks the culmination of the process of decolonisation of Mauritius in the spirit of international law and rules-based order,' the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi stated. The MEA noted that India has consistently backed Mauritius's rightful claim to the Chagos Archipelago, in line with its longstanding principles on decolonisation, respect for sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of nations. 'As a steadfast and longstanding partner of Mauritius, India remains committed to working closely with Mauritius and other like-minded countries to strengthen maritime security and regional stability and ensure peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region,' Randhir Jaiswal, the MEA spokesperson, stated.
NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
UK signs deal to return Chagos Islands to Mauritius despite court challenge
Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam hailed the accord as a 'great victory' for his country, which 'completes the process of decolonisation of Mauritius, which began in 1968'. But the UK opposition Conservative Party accused Starmer of having 'given away' British territory. Starmer's announcement followed a morning of drama at London's High Court that had forced the postponement of the signing and threatened to embarrass his centre-left government. Last-minute challenge The premier had been due to conclude the agreement in a virtual signing ceremony with Mauritian representatives at 9am on Thursday. But in a last-minute pre-dawn court hearing, two Chagossian women, Bertrice Pompe and Bernadette Dugasse, won a temporary injunction from the High Court to delay the announcement. Starmer's government challenged that decision. Its lawyers insisted that for the deal to be signed on Thursday it would require court approval by 1pm. Shortly after 12.30pm, Judge Martin Chamberlain lifted the temporary injunction, ruling there was a 'very strong case' that the UK national interest and public interest would be 'prejudiced' by extending the ban. Starmer insisted that as international legal rulings had put Britain's ownership of the Chagos in doubt, only a deal with Mauritius could guarantee that the military base and its satellite communications remained functional. Without agreement, the UK would not be able to prevent China or other nations from setting up their own bases on outer islands or from carrying out joint exercises near Britain's base, he said. But speaking outside court, Pompe said it was a 'very, very sad day'. 'We don't want to hand our rights over to Mauritius. We are not Mauritians,' she said. 'Forcibly removed' Britain kept control of the Chagos Islands after Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s. But it evicted thousands of Chagos islanders, who have since mounted a series of legal claims for compensation in British courts. Pompe, a Chagos Islands-born British national, said in court documents she had been living in exile since being 'forcibly removed from the Chagos Islands by the British authorities between 1967 and 1973'. Others had been forced into destitution in Mauritius, where they had suffered decades of discrimination, she said. The deal would 'jeopardise' the limited rights she currently enjoyed to visit the islands, including to tend the graves of relatives, she added. The base, leased to the United States, has become one of its key military facilities in the Asia-Pacific region. It has been used as a hub for long-range bombers and ships during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Britain's Ministry of Defence said a 24-nautical-mile buffer zone will be put in place around the island where nothing can be built or placed without UK consent. Defence Secretary John Healey told parliament MPs would get to scrutinise the agreement before agreeing to its ratification. In 2019, the International Court of Justice recommended that Britain hand the archipelago to Mauritius after decades of legal battles.
