Aspect

Details

Location

A coral atoll in the central part of the Indian Ocean, the largest and southernmost member of the Chagos Archipelago.

Political Status

Part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), accounting for more than half of the territory's land area.

Geography

Covers 44 square km with a sandlined V shaped reef about 24 km long and a maximum width of 11 km. The lagoon is open at the northern end.

Historical Background

Discovered by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. Was a dependency of Mauritius for most of its history. Separated from Mauritius in 1965.

Military Use

Leased to the US in 1966 for the establishment of an air and naval base, making it a key geostrategic and logistical support base in the Indian Ocean.

Displacement of Inhabitants

Inhabitants were forcibly removed due to the construction of defense facilities.

Legal and Political Developments

In 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled that Britain's decolonization of Mauritius was unlawful. UN General Assembly called for its return to Mauritius.

PRACTICE QUESTION

1. Consider the following statements regarding Diego Garcia Island:
2. It is part of the Chagos Archipelago and is located in the central Indian Ocean.
3. It is a part of the British Indian Ocean Territory and was separated from Mauritius in 1965.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. A) 1 only
2. B) 2 only
3. C) Both 1 and 2
4. D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Diego Garcia is part of the Chagos Archipelago and is located in the central Indian Ocean.

Statement 2 is correct: Diego Garcia is part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and was separated from Mauritius in 1965. The United Kingdom leased Diego Garcia to the United States in 1966 for the establishment of a military base.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 2019 that the decolonization of Mauritius was not lawful due to the continued claims on the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.