India’s Stand on Chagos: A Fight Against Neo-Imperialism

The Legacy of Colonialism in the 21st Century

Many former colonies gained independence in the 20th century, but some territories remained under foreign control. The Chagos Archipelago is one such example, where Britain separated the islands from Mauritius in 1965 to lease Diego Garcia, the largest island, to the United States for a military base. This move was illegal under international law, yet decades later, Britain continues to hold onto the islands, ignoring rulings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the United Nations (UN).

India’s firm stance in supporting Mauritius is part of a larger effort to challenge the continuing influence of colonial powers. As a country that fought for its own independence, India understands the struggles of smaller nations against stronger ones. The Chagos dispute is not just about a few islands; it is about fairness, justice, and the rights of nations to control their own land. By taking a strong position, India is proving that post-colonial nations must stand together to defend their sovereignty and resist attempts by powerful countries to dictate global affairs.

The Chagos Islands: A History of Injustice

The Chagos Archipelago is a group of over 60 small islands in the Indian Ocean. Historically, it was a part of Mauritius, which was first colonised by the French and later taken over by the British in 1814. As Mauritius moved towards independence in the 1960s, Britain decided to keep Chagos under its control, forming a new British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). This decision was made to fulfil a secret agreement with the United States, which wanted to use Diego Garcia as a strategic military base.

The most tragic part of this decision was the forced removal of the Chagossians. Between 1968 and 1973, Britain forcibly relocated the entire population, shipping them to Mauritius and the Seychelles. These people were not given proper compensation and were left to suffer in extreme poverty. Many of them have since fought for their right to return, but their pleas have been largely ignored.

In 2019, the ICJ ruled that Britain’s control over Chagos was unlawful and that the islands should be returned to Mauritius. The UN General Assembly passed a resolution supporting this ruling, with a vast majority of nations voting in favour of Mauritius. Despite this, Britain refused to comply, claiming that the islands were still needed for “security purposes.”

The Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia

One of the main reasons Britain and the US are unwilling to let go of Chagos is the presence of the military base on Diego Garcia. This base has been a crucial asset for American military operations, playing a key role in conflicts in the Middle East, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is also used for intelligence gathering, drone operations, and as a launching point for military missions across Asia and Africa.

The US fears that handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius might weaken its control over Diego Garcia. Some American politicians have even claimed that Mauritius’ growing economic ties with China could pose a security risk, despite there being no real evidence for this claim.

Mauritius has repeatedly stated that it is willing to lease Diego Garcia to the US for a long period, ensuring that military operations would not be disrupted. However, concerns over American influence in the region have slowed down the process, with some British and American officials still opposing the handover.

India’s Role: A Strong Stand for Justice

India’s decision to support Mauritius is based on its long-standing policy of decolonisation and respect for international law. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recently reaffirmed this stance, saying, “We support Mauritius in its stance on its sovereignty over Chagos, and this is obviously keeping with our long-standing position with regard to decolonisation and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries.”

This statement is important because it came just after India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited London. India is clearly sending a message to the world, especially to Britain and the US, that it will not accept the continuation of colonial rule in any form. India’s stand on Chagos also strengthens its position as a leader of the Global South. For decades, India has been at the forefront of anti-colonial movements, helping to establish the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and advocating for the rights of former colonies. Supporting Mauritius is another example of India standing up for smaller nations against more powerful ones.

Britain’s Delaying Tactics and Internal Politics

Although Britain has agreed in principle to transfer Chagos to Mauritius, the process has been slow and filled with political obstacles. One of the biggest reasons for this delay is the influence of right-wing politicians in the UK who oppose the transfer.

Figures such as Nigel Farage, Suella Braverman, and Liz Truss have openly criticised the decision, claiming that it weakens Britain’s global position. They argue that Mauritius’ links with China could be a problem and that Britain should not “surrender” control over the islands. These arguments ignore the fact that international law is firmly on Mauritius’ side and that keeping Chagos under British control is a clear violation of UN resolutions.

Britain’s reluctance to act also reflects a deeper problem—the country’s struggle to come to terms with its colonial past. The Chagos dispute is not just about one group of islands; it is about whether Britain is willing to accept that its colonial rule caused immense harm and that it must now correct these historical wrongs.

Neo-Imperialism and the Need for a Stronger Global Response

The Chagos issue is part of a larger pattern where powerful nations continue to exert control over smaller ones through military and economic means. Even though traditional colonialism has ended, some countries still use their influence to dominate weaker states. This form of indirect control is often called neo-imperialism.

Neo-imperialism can take many forms. Sometimes it is economic, where richer nations control global trade and force weaker countries into unfair agreements. Other times, it is military, where powerful countries set up bases in smaller nations and refuse to leave. The Chagos dispute is an example of both—Britain and the US are using their military interests as an excuse to continue controlling a territory that legally belongs to Mauritius.

India’s role in fighting neo-imperialism is crucial. By supporting Mauritius, India is showing that post-colonial nations do not have to accept the dominance of powerful countries. More nations need to join this effort by putting diplomatic and legal pressure on Britain to follow international rulings.

One way to achieve this is through a global convention against neo-imperialism. India, along with other post-colonial nations such as Brazil, South Africa, and ASEAN members, could lead such an initiative. This would create a strong international movement to ensure that former colonial powers do not continue to exploit weaker nations.

India’s Leadership in the Global South

India’s stand on Chagos has strengthened its leadership in the Global South. It has already taken steps to give developing nations a greater voice in international forums.

For example, India played a key role in including the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, ensuring better representation for African nations in global decision-making. It has also supported renewable energy projects, digital development, and economic growth in developing nations.

By standing with Mauritius in the Chagos dispute, India is reinforcing its position as a champion of justice and equality. It is proving that powerful countries should not be allowed to ignore international law and that smaller nations deserve to have their voices heard.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Global Justice

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more Valuable Content – TheStudyias

Download the App to Subscribe to our Courses – Thestudyias

The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH