Behind the scenes: India’s quiet diplomacy in UK’s return of Chagos Islands to Mauritius | India News – Times of India

Fuel tanks at the edge of a miltary airstrip on Diego Garcia, largest island in the Chagos archipelago. (Reuters Image)

NEW DELHI: India played a quiet yet significant contribution in the historic transfer of the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands from the United Kingdom to Mauritius. According to ANI sources, India had steadfastly and unwaveringly advocated for “the need to do away with the last vestiges of colonisation” during the negotiations.
The joint statement released by UK and Mauritius also acknowledged New Delhi’s involvement in the matter.The statement specifically mentioned, “In reaching today’s political agreement, we have enjoyed the full support and assistance of our close partners, the United States of America and the Republic of India.”
In a historic decision, UK decided to give up sovereignty of the remote islands to Mauritius ending decades of often fractious negotiations between the two countries.
“India played a quiet but important role in the background. It 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,” sources said.
“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,” it added.
Soon after the announcement, India welcomed the historic agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius and said that the resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute was a “welcome development”.
“We welcome the agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, including Diego Garcia. This significant understanding completes the decolonisation of Mauritius. The resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute after two years of negotiations, in compliance with international law, is a welcome development,” the Indian government said in a press statement released by the ministry of external affairs.
“India has consistently supported Mauritius’s claim for sovereignty over Chagos, in line with its principled stand on decolonisation 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,” it added