Why in the news?
Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu, were detained near Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory for crossing the maritime boundary.
About the Diego Garcia Island
- The Diego Garcia Island is a part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
- It is situated in the Indian Ocean, south of the equator.
- It is located approximately 1,796 km south of India and 4,723 km east of Africa.
- It was originally inhabited by the Chagossians (Ilois), descendants of African and Indian laborers brought by French colonists.
- It became a British colony in 1814 following the Napoleonic Wars.
Political Significance:
- It houses a significant US military base, established under a 1966 UK-US agreement.
- It plays a critical role in global military operations, particularly in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
- It serves as a base for long-range bombers, intelligence-gathering operations, and logistical support.
- The sovereignty of Diego Garcia is disputed by Mauritius, which claims it as part of its territory.
- In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advised the UK to return the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius.
- The United Nations General Assembly endorsed this ruling.
