Loading page, please wait…
Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia Island - UPSC Geography
What is Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia Island in UPSC Geography?
Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia Island is a key topic under Geography for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Key points include: Chagos Archipelago is a strategically important group of 58 islands in the Indian Ocean, south of Maldives.. Historically French, then British; detached from Mauritius in 1965 to form British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).. Diego Garcia, the largest island, hosts a crucial US military base.. Understanding this topic is essential for both UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
Why is Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia Island important for UPSC exam?
Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia Island is a Medium-level topic in UPSC Geography. It is tested in both Prelims (factual MCQs) and Mains (analytical answer writing). Previous year UPSC questions have frequently covered aspects of Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia Island, making it essential for comprehensive IAS preparation.
How to prepare Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia Island for UPSC?
To prepare Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia Island for UPSC: (1) Study the comprehensive notes covering all key concepts on Vaidra. (2) Practice previous year questions on this topic. (3) Connect it with current affairs using daily updates. (4) Revise using key takeaways and mind maps available for Geography. (5) Write practice answers linking Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia Island to related GS Paper topics.
Key takeaways of Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia Island for UPSC
- Chagos Archipelago is a strategically important group of 58 islands in the Indian Ocean, south of Maldives.
- Historically French, then British; detached from Mauritius in 1965 to form British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
- Diego Garcia, the largest island, hosts a crucial US military base.
- Mauritius claims sovereignty, supported by a 2019 ICJ advisory opinion declaring UK's administration unlawful.
- UK recently agreed to cede sovereignty to Mauritius but retains rights over Diego Garcia.
- The issue involves sovereignty, decolonization, international law, and human rights (Chagossians' displacement).
Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia Island
Medium⏱️ 8 min read
geography
📖 Introduction
Recent Developments
Recently, the United Kingdom (UK) has agreed to cede sovereignty of the strategically important Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.
However, the UK will continue to exercise sovereign rights specifically over Diego Garcia island, maintaining its critical military presence.
This agreement marks a significant shift in the long-standing dispute over the archipelago's control and colonial legacy.
Geography of the Chagos Archipelago
The Chagos Archipelago is comprised of 58 islands, forming a remote island group in the Indian Ocean.
It is located approximately 500 km south of the Maldives, positioning it strategically in the central Indian Ocean.
Historical Overview
The French were the first European power to lay claim to and colonize Mauritius, along with the Chagos Islands, starting in 1715.
In the late 18th century, the French introduced slave labour from Africa and India to establish coconut plantations on the islands.
The UK gained control of the region in 1814, following the defeat of France's Napoleon Bonaparte.
In 1965, the UK formally established the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), with the Chagos Islands as its central component.
Mauritius' Sovereignty Claims
Historically, the Chagos Archipelago was administratively linked to Mauritius, which was also a British colony in the Indian Ocean.
When Mauritius achieved independence in 1968, the Chagos Islands remained under British control.
The UK provided Mauritius with a 3 million pound grant as compensation for the
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Chagos Archipelago is a strategically important group of 58 islands in the Indian Ocean, south of Maldives.
- •Historically French, then British; detached from Mauritius in 1965 to form British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
- •Diego Garcia, the largest island, hosts a crucial US military base.
- •Mauritius claims sovereignty, supported by a 2019 ICJ advisory opinion declaring UK's administration unlawful.
- •UK recently agreed to cede sovereignty to Mauritius but retains rights over Diego Garcia.
- •The issue involves sovereignty, decolonization, international law, and human rights (Chagossians' displacement).
🧠 Memory Techniques
95% Verified Content