Diego Garcia: History, Location, U.S. Military Base, and Ownership Controversy

Introduction

Diego Garcia is a strategically significant atoll located in the Indian Ocean. It has been a topic of geopolitical interest due to its military importance and controversial history of forced displacement. Currently controlled by the United Kingdom but hosting a major U.S. military base, Diego Garcia remains a point of contention between Mauritius and the U.K., as well as a critical asset in global defense strategy.

Location and Geography

Diego Garcia is part of the Chagos Archipelago, which consists of over 60 small islands. The atoll is situated about 1,796 km (1,116 miles) south of India, 3,600 km (2,200 miles) east of Africa, and roughly 4,700 km (2,900 miles) west of Australia. It is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago, covering about 44 square kilometers (17 square miles). The atoll has a horseshoe shape, enclosing a deep natural lagoon, making it an ideal location for a naval base.

Early History and Colonial Era

The island was first discovered by Portuguese explorers in the early 16th century. However, it remained uninhabited until the French colonized it in the 18th century, using it primarily for coconut plantations. After the Napoleonic Wars, Diego Garcia, along with the rest of the Chagos Archipelago, was ceded to the British in 1814 under the Treaty of Paris.

Under British rule, Diego Garcia continued as a plantation-based economy, with workers brought from Africa and India. The island remained a quiet colonial outpost for more than a century.

British-American Military Agreement

During the Cold War, the strategic significance of Diego Garcia increased. The United Kingdom, which controlled the island as part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), entered into an agreement with the United States in the 1960s. The deal allowed the U.S. to establish a military base on Diego Garcia in exchange for financial aid and defense support from the U.S.

As a result of this agreement, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the native Chagossians (Ilois), who had been living on the island for generations, were forcibly removed and relocated to Mauritius, Seychelles, and other regions. This displacement remains a major point of contention in the island’s history.

The U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia

Diego Garcia is home to a significant U.S. military installation. The base serves as a critical logistics hub for operations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The island’s remote location and deep-water anchorage make it an ideal location for long-range bombers, naval vessels, and surveillance operations.

The military base has played a role in various conflicts, including:

• The Gulf War (1991): Used as a staging ground for air and naval operations.
• The War in Afghanistan (2001–2021): Provided logistical support and strategic operations.
• The Iraq War (2003–2011): Served as a launch site for U.S. bombers.
• Counterterrorism Operations: Used as a base for intelligence gathering and drone operations.

The facility includes airstrips capable of handling B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers, extensive storage for fuel and weapons, and advanced surveillance capabilities. The U.K. officially maintains sovereignty over Diego Garcia but allows U.S. operations to continue under a long-term lease agreement.

Ownership Controversy: Mauritius vs. the U.K.

Mauritius claims sovereignty over Diego Garcia and the entire Chagos Archipelago, arguing that the British unlawfully separated the islands from Mauritius before granting it independence in 1968. In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the U.K.’s administration of the Chagos Islands is illegal and that the territory should be returned to Mauritius. The United Nations General Assembly subsequently passed a resolution urging the U.K. to withdraw from the islands.

Despite international pressure, the British government has refused to cede control, citing defense agreements with the U.S. and the strategic importance of the island for global security. The U.K. has, however, stated that it will eventually return the islands when they are no longer needed for security purposes.

The Human Rights Issue: Displacement of the Chagossians

One of the most controversial aspects of Diego Garcia’s history is the forced displacement of the Chagossian people. Between 1968 and 1973, thousands of Chagossians were removed from their homeland and sent to Mauritius, Seychelles, and the U.K., often facing extreme poverty and hardship. Many have since fought for their right to return, with limited success.

In recent years, legal cases and advocacy groups have continued to press for the rights of the Chagossians. In 2016, the U.K. government ruled out their return, citing military security concerns. However, the case remains a topic of international human rights debates.

Conclusion

Diego Garcia remains a focal point of international controversy. While it serves as a vital U.S. military base and a strategic asset in global defense, it is also a symbol of colonial-era displacement and geopolitical disputes. The future of Diego Garcia is uncertain, with ongoing legal and diplomatic battles over its sovereignty and the rights of the displaced Chagossians. As international pressure mounts, the question remains whether the U.K. will eventually return the island to Mauritius or maintain its control indefinitely.