India Welcomes UK-Mauritius Chagos Agreement

India has welcomed the agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, marking a significant advancement in the decolonization of Mauritius. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized its consistent support for Mauritius's claims, reflecting India's principled stance on sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. The agreement, reached after two years of negotiations, allows Mauritius full sovereignty while ensuring the continued operation of the strategic Diego Garcia military base by the UK and US for another 99 years. This development is seen as essential for strengthening maritime security in the Indian Ocean and enhancing regional stability amid rising geopolitical tensions. India has played a supportive role throughout the negotiations, encouraging both parties to seek mutually beneficial outcomes. The deal is expected to reinforce long-term security in the Indian Ocean region, benefiting all involved parties.