If you’re preparing for SSC, UPSC, Banking, or State PCS exams in 2026, you need to watch the Indian Ocean. A remote island named Diego Garcia has suddenly become headline news again, this time because of former US President Donald Trump. This isn’t just about international politics; it’s directly linked to India’s security, its role in the world.
Quick Facts to Remember About the Diego Garcia:
- Location: Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago, in the central Indian Ocean.
- Strategic Value: It hosts a major, strategically critical US military base.
- Sovereignty Dispute: The UK detached it from Mauritius in 1965. The UK and Mauritius signed a treaty in May 2025 to return sovereignty to Mauritius.
- India’s Stance: India strongly supports Mauritius’s sovereign claim and is providing it with economic and security assistance.
- The New Flashpoint: In January 2026, Donald Trump criticized the UK-Mauritius deal, calling it an “act of GREAT STUPIDITY,” linking it to his past interest in buying Greenland.
This analysis covers everything you need for MCQs and Mains answers on this evolving geopolitical issue.
Event Summary: The Diego Garcia Sovereignty Timeline
The dispute over Diego Garcia has a long history, but recent developments are crucial for current affairs.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1965 | UK creates the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), separating the Chagos Archipelago (incl. Diego Garcia) from Mauritius before its independence. |
| 1966 | UK leases Diego Garcia to the USA to build a military base. The island’s indigenous Chagossians are forcibly removed. |
| 2019 | The International Court of Justice (ICJ) advises that the UK’s administration is unlawful and Chagos should be returned to Mauritius. |
| May 2025 | UK and Mauritius officially sign a treaty recognizing Mauritius’s sovereignty over Chagos. The US base continues under a 99-year lease. |
| Nov 2025 | India finalizes a $680 million package for Mauritius, including aid for managing Chagos and setting up strategic infrastructure. |
| Jan 20, 2026 | Donald Trump posts on Truth Social, criticizing the UK for the deal, calling it weak, and linking it to his past pursuit of Greenland. |
| Present (2026) | Treaty is under ratification in the UK Parliament. Trump’s comments add unexpected US political pressure on the process. |
Detailed Analysis: The Why, What, and Impact
At its heart, this is a clash between post-colonial justice (returning stolen land to Mauritius) and hard military strategy (maintaining a key US base). The UK-Mauritius treaty tries to balance both: Mauritius gets sovereignty, the US keeps its base on a long lease. Trump’s intervention favors a purely strategic, ownership-based approach, reminiscent of his transactional foreign policy.
India’s Stakes and Strategy:
- Historical: The US base was used to intimidate India in the 1971 war. This memory shapes India’s distrust of foreign military presence in its backyard.
- Strategic: Today, India’s primary concern is China’s growing naval presence in the IOR. A US base can be a counterbalance, but India prefers it to be under the sovereignty of a friendly nation (Mauritius) rather than a distant power (UK).
- Diplomatic & Economic: India’s $680 million package for Mauritius is a masterstroke. It strengthens ties with a key maritime neighbor, ensures Indian involvement in the region’s development (via hydrographic surveys, satellite station), and positions India as a reliable security partner all while upholding the principle of decolonization.
Pros and Cons of the Current Deal:
- Pros for India/Mauritius: Upholds international law, corrects a historical wrong, gives India a friendly sovereign to work with, and maintains regional stability.
- Cons/Concerns: Trump’s comments show the deal is politically fragile in the West. Any disruption could force Mauritius into a difficult position between great powers. The continued large US military presence remains a fact of life in the IOR.
Government Scheme Link: This ties directly into India’s SAGAR policy and the Act East Policy, focusing on sustainable maritime development and security partnerships in the IOR.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Diego Garcia going to become part of the USA now?
No. The US has never claimed sovereignty. It operates a base under lease. The current treaty confirms Mauritius as the future sovereign, with a 99-year lease to the US. Trump’s comments reflect a political opinion, not official US policy as of January 2026.
2. Why is India spending $680 million on Mauritius for this?
It’s strategic investment. By helping Mauritius develop and secure the Chagos area, India builds deep trust, gains a role in the region’s governance, and counters other influences (like China’s “debt-trap” diplomacy). It’s part of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.
3. Is the UK-Mauritius treaty final?
Not yet. It has been signed but is awaiting ratification by the UK Parliament. This process can be influenced by political pressure, like the kind Trump is attempting to apply.
4. How is this relevant to the 1971 India-Pakistan War?
During the war, the US sent the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Enterprise into the Bay of Bengal to threaten India. This ship was deployed from the Gulf of Tonkin, highlighting the need for a base like Diego Garcia, which was then developed. This history explains India’s sensitivity about the base.
5. What are the key points to remember for exams?
- Location: Indian Ocean.
- Parties: UK (historical admin), USA (base operator), Mauritius (rightful sovereign), India (supporter of Mauritius).
- Recent Event: 2025 UK-Mauritius sovereignty treaty; 2026 Trump criticism.
- India’s Role: Supports Mauritius with diplomacy and a $680 million package.
- Exam Themes: Decolonization, Indian Ocean Strategy, India’s Foreign Policy.
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