UK Returns Chagos Islands to Mauritius, to Pay ₹1,100 Cr/Yr to Keep Airbase Control
In a significant development, the United Kingdom has signed a deal to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. However, the UK will retain control of the strategically important US-UK airbase on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, under a 99-year lease. This lease agreement comes with an annual payment of £101 million (over ₹1,100 crore) to the UK.
The Chagos Islands, a group of 55 islands in the Indian Ocean, have been a source of controversy for decades. The islands were a British colony until 1965, when the UK ejected the native inhabitants, known as the Chagossians, to make way for a US military base. The Chagossians were forced to leave their homes and were not allowed to return.
The UK’s decision to return the islands to Mauritius has been hailed as a major victory for the island nation and the Chagossian community. Mauritius has long claimed sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, and the deal marks a significant milestone in the country’s quest for self-determination.
According to the deal, Mauritius will take over the administration of the Chagos Islands, while the UK will retain control of the airbase on Diego Garcia. The airbase is a critical strategic location, and the US has maintained a military presence there since the 1960s.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the deal as a “strong protection” for the UK’s interests. “By agreeing to this deal, we’re securing strong protections for our national interests and ensuring the UK’s strategic capabilities are maintained,” he said.
The deal has been welcomed by the Chagossian community, who have been fighting for their rights for decades. “This is a historic day for the Chagos Islands and the Chagossian people,” said Olivier Bancoult, the leader of the Chagos Refugee Group. “We have been fighting for our rights for over 50 years, and today we have achieved a major victory.”
However, not everyone is pleased with the deal. The US has expressed concerns about the implications of the deal for its military presence in the region. “We are concerned about the potential impact of the UK’s decision on our ability to maintain our military presence in the region,” said a US State Department spokesperson.
The deal is also expected to have implications for the UK’s relationships with other countries in the region. India, in particular, has expressed concerns about the deal, citing concerns about the security implications of the UK’s military presence in the region.
In conclusion, the UK’s decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is a significant development that marks a major victory for the island nation and the Chagossian community. While the deal has its implications for the UK’s national interests and relationships with other countries in the region, it is a significant step towards justice and self-determination for the Chagossian people.
