NEW DELHI, Oct 3 : India on Thursday welcomed the agreement between the UK and Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, including Diego Garcia, adding that the significant understanding completes the decolonisation of Mauritius.
In a statement, the MEA said the resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute after two years of negotiations, in compliance with international law, is a welcome development.
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.
India remains committed to working with Mauritius and other like-minded partners in strengthening maritime safety and security and contributing to enhanced peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region, the statement said.
According to sources, India played a quiet but important role in the background. India firmly backed the principled Mauritian position, supporting its stance on the need to do away with the last vestiges of decolonisation.
At the same time, it consistently encouraged both sides to negotiate with an open mind and with a view to achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
It is believed that the final outcome is a win for all sides involved and will reinforce long term security in the Indian Ocean region, the sources added.
On Thursday, the UK announced it is giving up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean after more than half a century.
The deal ? reached after years of negotiations – will see the UK hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in a historic move.
This includes the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia, used by the US government as a military base for its navy ships and long-range bomber aircraft.
The announcement, made in a joint statement by the UK and Mauritian Prime Ministers, ends decades of often fractious negotiations between the two countries, BBC reported.
The US-UK base will remain on Diego Garcia ? a key factor enabling the deal to go forward at a time of growing geopolitical rivalries in the region between Western countries, India, and China.
The deal is still subject to finalisation of a treaty, but both sides have promised to complete it as quickly as possible.
“This is a seminal moment in our relationship and a demonstration of our enduring commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the rule of law,” the statement from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth read.
The leaders also said they were committed “to ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the existing base on Diego Garcia which plays a vital role in regional and global security”.
The treaty will also “address wrongs of the past and demonstrate the commitment of both parties to support the welfare of Chagossians”.
The UK will provide a package of financial support to Mauritius, including annual payments and infrastructure investment.
Mauritius will also be able to begin a programme of resettlement on the Chagos Islands, but not on Diego Garcia.
There, the UK will ensure operation of the military base for “an initial period” of 99 years.
US President Joe Biden welcomed the “historic agreement”, saying it was a “clear demonstration that through diplomacy and partnership, countries can overcome long-standing historical challenges to reach peaceful and mutually beneficial outcomes”.
He said it secured the future of a key military base which “plays a vital role in national, regional, and global security.” (UNI)
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