Op-ed: Geopolitical and Security Implications of the Chagos Archipelago Dispute in the Indian Ocean: A Tension Point

The following is an op-ed written by Brigadier General (Retired) Ahmed Nilam.

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The Chagos Archipelago, located in the central Indian Ocean, has become a focal point of international controversy, primarily due to its strategic location and historical significance. The ongoing dispute over the sovereignty of the archipelago not only remains a critical issue for regional stakeholders but also has far-reaching global implications. Several nations are involved in the debate, including the United Kingdom, Mauritius, Seychelles, the Maldives, and the United States. While the dispute is most often framed in terms of colonial legacy and international law, it also speaks to broader concerns surrounding environmental protection, regional security, and the decolonization process.

The Maldives, a nation with deep historical and geographical ties to the region, has consistently raised concerns about its exclusion from key conversations about the Chagos Archipelago, even as it stands to be significantly impacted by the dispute. This article explores the geopolitical, security, and environmental implications of the Chagos Archipelago dispute, with a particular focus on the Maldives' role in the ongoing discussions.

Historical Context and Stakeholders

The Chagos Archipelago, which includes the island of Diego Garcia, is currently under British control as part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). However, the sovereignty of the islands is contested by Mauritius, which argues that the UK illegally detached the archipelago from Mauritius during its decolonization in the 1960s. In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion declaring that the UK's control of the archipelago was illegal and that the territory should be returned to Mauritius. Despite this, the UK has refused to relinquish control, citing strategic military interests, particularly the presence of a U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.

The Maldives, while not a direct claimant to the islands, has a historical connection to the region. The archipelago, known as ‘Foalhavahi’ in ancient Maldivian texts, has long been part of the maritime domain navigated by Maldivian sailors. This historical relationship, combined with the Maldives' proximity to the Chagos Archipelago, positions the island nation as a key player in discussions about the region's future.

Undetermined Issues and Exclusion of the Maldives

While international law and various UN resolutions support the return of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, the exclusion of the Maldives from key discussions on the future of the archipelago reflects broader regional inequalities. The Maldives' longstanding maritime heritage and strategic location in the Indian Ocean should, by all rights, afford it a more prominent voice in the dispute. Despite its geographical proximity to the Chagos Islands and its interest in regional stability, the Maldives has historically been sidelined in negotiations. This marginalization has been particularly troubling for the Maldivian government, which has raised concerns about its future role in the region.

The Maldives’ maritime boundaries are largely defined by agreements with neighbouring countries, such as India and Sri Lanka. There are no territorial disputes on the country's borders, and its maritime claims are well aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, the continued disregard for Maldivian interests in discussions about the Chagos Archipelago presents a challenge not only to the country’s security but also to the principles of equitable regional governance.

The Geopolitical and Security Dimension

One of the most contentious aspects of the Chagos dispute is the U.S. military presence on Diego Garcia, which was leased to the United States in 1966. The base is considered a critical asset for global military operations, particularly in the context of U.S. strategic interests in the Indian Ocean and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The U.S. military base, which supports a variety of operations, including surveillance, logistics, and regional defence, is a cornerstone of the Pentagon’s presence in the Indian Ocean.

For the Maldives, the ongoing military activities in Diego Garcia are a source of concern. As an island nation with a strategic location at the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has an interest in ensuring that regional security arrangements do not destabilize its own national security. The presence of foreign military forces in such proximity to Maldivian waters could have significant implications for the country’s sovereignty and its long-term security.

Additionally, the militarization of the region complicates the decolonization process. The continued British control of the archipelago, despite international legal rulings, reinforces a colonial legacy that undermines the principles of self-determination and sovereignty. For the Maldives, which has long supported decolonization efforts in the region, the ongoing dispute highlights the inequities in how smaller island nations are treated in global governance structures.

Environmental Concerns

The environmental implications of the Chagos Archipelago dispute are also significant. The islands’ ecosystems, including coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and seabed resources, are vital not only for the countries directly involved but also for the broader Indian Ocean region. The Maldives, with its own fragile marine environment, has a vested interest in ensuring that the natural resources of the Chagos Archipelago are protected and managed sustainably.

The UK’s continued control over the Chagos Archipelago and its role in the militarization of Diego Garcia have led to concerns that environmental protection is not being adequately prioritized. As the Maldives is highly vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation, the nation has consistently advocated for a more sustainable and cooperative approach to managing the region's natural resources.

Conclusion

The Chagos Archipelago dispute is not just a territorial disagreement; it is a complex issue that touches on themes of colonialism, international law, regional security, and environmental stewardship. For the Maldives, the ongoing exclusion from key discussions about the future of the islands is a source of frustration and a potential threat to national security. As an island nation strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has a legitimate interest in shaping the future of the region and ensuring that the interests of smaller island nations are considered in global governance.

The dispute underscores the need for a more inclusive and balanced approach to regional security and environmental management—one that considers the historical, geopolitical, and ecological realities of the Indian Ocean region. As the international community continues to engage with these complex issues, it is crucial that all affected parties, including the Maldives, are given a seat at the table. Only through cooperative, inclusive dialogue can the region hope to achieve lasting peace, stability, and environmental sustainability.