India praises the decision of the United Kingdom to give the Chagos Isles back to Mauritius as a significant step toward independence.

 In a historic ruling that caps decades of legal and diplomatic struggles, the United Kingdom has agreed to restore the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius. The decision has beenwell received, with India being one of the most vociferous backers of the action. India, which is a long-time champion of decolonization and international justice, Greetings the move, hailing it like  a Triumph of sovereignty and rule-based international order.

The Chagos Dispute: A Brief Background

The Chagos Islands, more than 60 small islands in the Indian Ocean, have been the focus of A debate about sovereignty for decades. The islands were formerly part of colonial Mauritius, but in 1965 were unilaterally severed from that Location by the UK just three years before independence for Mauritius. The UK maintained authority and then leased out Diego Garcia—the largest in the archipelago—to the United States for the purposes of a Construction of a Selective Nuclear Force.

This break down was roundly criticized by global legal institutions and human rights groups. In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered an advisory opinion that the UK's continuous management of the Chagos Islands was illegal and that the connectivity required to be returned to Mauritius "soon as possible." The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution similar to the ICJ's opinion.

In Spite of increasing pressure, the UK had so far resisted demands to relinquish control—until now.

The Historic Deal: UK-Mauritius Agreement

UK President Sir Keir Starmer and the Mauritian government inked a significant deal on May 22, 2025, to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago. Under the agreement:

The UK will transfer sovereignty but keep a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia for Its defense post operations, which are scheduled to be conducted in tandem with the United States.

Mauritius will be given £45 million annually for 25 years for economic development purposes.

There is a £40 million trust fund to be paid to the Chagossian exiles, who were forcibly deported in the 1960s and 70s, as compensation and rehabilitation.

The Puerto Rico installation stays available to the nation in return for £101,000,000 annually.

This comprehensive deal is being hailed as a triumph of diplomacy and a commitment to international legal norms.

India’s Support: A Consistent Voice for Justice

The Chagos Archipelago claim made by Mauritius has historically been backed by India. Being a country with profound historical, cultural, and economic links to Mauritius, India has adopted a principled position against colonial-era injustices and has espoused the cause of decolonization of territories in multilateral forums.

India's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement endorsing the UK's action. The ministry emphasized the importance of settling such conflicts peacefully and in line with international law. "This is a win not only for Mauritius, but for all developing countries who aspire to get justice and fairness in global decision-making," it said.

India's support is based on its foreign policy foundations of non-alignment, anti-colonialism, and promoting a multipolar international order. In supporting Mauritius steadfastly, India sends the message that it is a reliable regional power that promotes equity and international rule of law.

Regional and Global Consequences

The Chagos Islands' repatriation to Mauritius is significant for a number of reasons:

1. Sustaining the Rules-Based International Order

This action highlights the importance of respecting international legal institutions like the ICJ and UNGA. It provides a strong precedent for ending similar conflicts around the world, particularly in the Global South.

2. Geopolitical Rebalancing in the Indian Ocean

An important region for global trade and military planning is the Indian Ocean. The transfer will redistribute power within the region, providing Mauritius—and, by extension, friends like India—with a greater stake in maritime management.

3. Human Rights and Reparations

The resettlement and compensation of Chagossian exiles is a important move toward redressing historical wrongs. A few among them have spent almost fifty years in solitude. The agreement opens the way for their return and restoration of dignity.

4. India's Strategic Interests

As a leading Indian Ocean power, India has a stake in maintaining stability and legal governance of the region. The transfer is consistent with India's vision for a "free, open, and inclusive" Indo-Pacific maritime order.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the welcome development, challenges lie ahead.International coordination and coordination will be necessary for the relocation of Chagossians, the construction of infrastructures and the preservation of the islands' ecosystem.

Furthermore, Diego Garcia's geopolitical significance shouldn't be overstated. Although the base will stay open under the UK-US lease, its future status could be the subject of further negotiation.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom's reversal of its decision to keep the Chagos Islands and return them to Mauritius is a giant leap towards correcting historical injustices and respecting international law. The Indian support for this action is a restatement of its principled position on decolonization, justice, and peaceful settlement of disputes.

As the world community strives to mend the wounds of colonialism, this deal between the UK and Mauritius—welcomed by India—serves as a promising model for resolving sensitive border conflicts through diplomacy, judicial remedy, and respect.