British Indian Ocean Territory

Maldivian mariners knew of the Chagos Islands, which were known as Fōlhavahi in the northern Maldives, and Hollhavai in the southern Maldives. Hollhavai also referred to other islands scattered throughout the Indian Ocean, such as the Seychelles. According to Southern Maldivian oral tradition, traders and fishermen were occasionally lost at sea and got stranded on one of the islands of the Chagos. Eventually they were rescued and brought back home. The coconut crabs of the islands may have inspired Maldivian folklore about giant hermit crabs. These islands were judged to be too far away from the seat of the Maldivian crown to be settled permanently by them. Thus, for many centuries the Chagos were ignored by their northern neighbours.{{Cite book|author=Xavier Romero-Frias|author-link=Xavier Romero-Frias|date=1999|title=The Maldive Islanders, A Study of the Popular Culture of an Ancient Ocean Kingdom|location=Barcelona|publisher=Nova Ethnographia Indica|isbn=84-7254-801-5|url=https://maritimeasiaheritage.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Xavier-Romero-Frias-The-Maldive-Islanders-Book.pdf|chapter=1 A Seafaring Nation|pages=65–67}}

File:Admiralty Chart No 728 Views of the Chagos Archipelago, Published 1787.jpg, 1787.]]

The islands of Chagos Archipelago were charted by Vasco da Gama in the early 16th century, and then claimed in the 18th century by France as a possession of Mauritius. They were first settled in the 18th century by African slaves and Indian contractors brought by Franco-Mauritians to found coconut plantations.{{Cite news|last=Vine|first=David|date=17 April 2008|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/JD17Aa01.html|title=Introducing the other Guantanamo|website=atimes.com|publisher=Asia Times|access-date=5 April 2013|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517061458/http://atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/JD17Aa01.html|archive-date=17 May 2008}} At some point Diego Garcia hosted a leper colony for patients from Mauritius, who were treated with turtle oil.{{cite journal |author1=C. R. Grainger |title=A Retrospective Estimate of Some Vital Statistics for British Indian Ocean Territory 1965–1973 |journal=Journal of the Royal Society of Health |volume=105 |issue=5 |pages=178–180 |date=October 1985 |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/146642408510500508 |doi=10.1177/146642408510500508|pmid=3934379 |url-access=subscription }} In 1810, Mauritius was captured by the United Kingdom, and France subsequently ceded the territory in the Treaty of Paris in 1814.

File:Admiralty Chart No 3 Chagos Archipelago, Published 1839, Large Corrections 1906.jpg's Indian Navy Robert Moresby, 1837.]]

The United Kingdom abolished slavery in 1833, although those on what would become the BIOT continued work as indentured labourers. In 1883 the plantations were bought by the Société Huilière de Diego et Peros. As of 1900 there were 426 families on the islands, 60 percent descended from the original African-Malagasy slaves, and 40% descended from South Asians brought over as indentured labour. Chagossian creole developed as a common language.{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/02/15/thats-when-nightmare-started/uk-and-us-forced-displacement-chagossians-and |title="That's When the Nightmare Started" UK and US Forced Displacement of the Chagossians and Ongoing Colonial Crimes |publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=15 February 2023 |access-date=4 October 2024}} The lives of the population remained effectively controlled by the company, a system which persisted until the 1960s.{{cite journal |author1=Dennis Hardy |title=Chagos and the British Indian Ocean Territory: A Colonial Anachronism in the Post-Colonial Era |journal=Seychelles Research Journal |volume=5 |issue=2 |date=August 2023 |url=https://seychellesresearchjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/chagos_and_the_british_indian_ocean_territory-a_colonial_anachronism_in_the_post-colonial_era-dennis_hardy-seychelles_research_journal-5-2.pdf}}{{rp|62}}

File:Royal Air Force Operations in the Far East, 1941-1945 CF651.jpg

An airstrip was built on Diego Garcia during the Second World War along with other military facilities. Military forces left once the war ended. In 1962 the plantations were bought by Chagos-Agalega Company, based in the Seychelles. At this time they covered {{convert|3000|ha}}.

The descendants of those brought to the islands to farm coconuts had developed into the Chagossian people. There are no official population figures, but an estimate from 1968 found 866 inhabitants: 336 in Diego Garcia, 162 in the Salomon islands, and 168 in Peros Banhos. The vital statistics were likely similar to other Indian Ocean islands. The birth rate on the Chagos archipelago was probably around 48 in every 1000. The birth rate for the former Seychellois islands was nominally lower, likely due to inhabitants more easily able to travel to the Seychelles for medical needs. Mortality before the age of 1 was around 98 per 1,000 live births. The overall death rate probably averaged under 12 per 1,000 people. Housing was simple, mostly using local wood and coconut leaves, with some imported concrete and corrugated iron. Most water was captured from rain, although there were groundwater wells. The islands at this time produced not only copra from the plantations, but fish, and fruit in the case of the Chagos archipelago. Alcohol was produced for local consumption, from coconut, sugar cane, and other materials. It is likely there was some malnutrition.

Beginning in February 1964, the UK and US began secret talks about a military base in Diego Garcia. The US wanted a territory with no local population, and the islands were lightly inhabited compared to other potential locations. The initial option of Aldabra was dropped due to international interest in its ecosystem.{{rp|65}} In 1965, the United Kingdom split the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius and the islands of Aldabra, Farquhar and Desroches (Des Roches) from the Seychelles to form the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). The purpose was to allow the construction of military facilities for the mutual benefit of the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The islands were formally established as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom on 8 November 1965.{{Cite book|author=United States Dept. of State. Office of the Geographer|year=1968|title=Commonwealth of Nations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iq1IQ2yDsiYC|access-date=7 November 2013|publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office|page=15|via=Google Books}} While it initially sought for the base to be given on a lease, Mauritius was eventually paid £3 million to compensate for the territory's separation, under pressure due to then-ongoing independence negotiations.{{rp|67}} (An additional £650,000 was given in 1972, for relocation costs.){{rp|62}}

A few weeks after the decision to detach the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 2066 on 16 December 1965, which stated that this detachment of part of the colonial territory of Mauritius was against customary international law as recorded earlier in the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples of 14 December 1960. This stated that "Any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity and the territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations".{{Cite web|url=https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/2066(XX)|title=United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2066 (XX) – Question of Mauritius|publisher=United Nations|date=16 December 1965|access-date=2 February 2021}}{{Cite book|url=https://www.open.edu/openlearn/society-politics-law/exploring-the-boundaries-international-law/content-section-0?active-tab=content-tab|title=Exploring the boundaries of international law|publisher=The Open University|chapter-url=https://www.open.edu/openlearn/society-politics-law/exploring-the-boundaries-international-law/content-section-2.4|chapter=2.4 Self-determination|access-date=2 February 2021}}

Mauritius became an independent Commonwealth realm in March 1968, and subsequently became a republic, also within the Commonwealth, in March 1992.{{cite web |url=https://1997-2001.state.gov/background_notes/mauritius_9912_bgn.html |title=Background Notes: Mauritius |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=December 1999 |access-date=5 October 2024}}

{{Main|Expulsion of the Chagossians}}

File:Diplomatic Cable signed by D.A. Greenhill, dated August 24, 1966.jpg signed by D.A. Greenhill, 1966, relating to the depopulation of the Chagos Archipelago.|alt=]]

In April 1967, the British government purchased the privately owned copra plantations for £600,000 and closed them. Over the next five years, the British authorities removed the entire population of about 2,000 people, known as Chagossians (or Ilois), from Diego Garcia and two other Chagos atolls, Peros Banhos and Salomon Islands, to Mauritius{{Cite news|last=Baker|first=Luke|date=25 May 2007|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL2524531120070525|title=The coral sea vista opened up by British judges|publisher=Reuters|access-date=5 April 2013}} and the Seychelles. The expulsion was carried out by preventing Chagossians who had left from returning from 1967, assisted by the Moulinie and Company (Seychelles), Limited company which the UK had set up to run the plantations. In 1968, when more workers were needed, non-Chagossian temporary workers were allowed in from the Seychelles. The remaining population was removed from Diego Garcia in January 1971, to meet a July 1971 deadline requested by the US. The populations of Peros Banhos and the Salomon Islands were removed starting from June 1972. The population as of 1965 was around 1,360 Chagossians, plus temporary workers from the Seychelles. Another few hundred Chagossians already lived outside of the islands. The UK informed the United Nations that BIOT had no indigenous population, meaning the UK would not have to send reports on the territory to the UN.

In 1971, the United Kingdom and the United States signed a treaty, leasing the island of Diego Garcia to the US military for the purposes of building a large air and naval base on the island. The deal was important to the British government, as the United States granted it a substantial discount on the purchase of Polaris nuclear missiles in return for the use of the islands as a base.{{Cite news|last=Knapton|first=Sarah|date=21 October 2008|title=Law Lords to rule on whether Chagos Islanders can finally return home|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/3237331/Law-Lords-to-rule-on-whether-Chagos-Islanders-can-finally-return-home.html|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=5 April 2013|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/3237331/Law-Lords-to-rule-on-whether-Chagos-Islanders-can-finally-return-home.html|archive-date=11 January 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}{{cbignore}} The island was strategically located near oil shipping routes, and Iran.{{rp|66}} It would counter any Soviet threat in the region.{{cite book |author1=Selig S. Harrison |author2=K. Subrahmanyam |year=1989 |title=Superpower Rivalry in the Indian Ocean: Indian and American Perspectives |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=9780195363708 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RAuT896J0HcC |page=85}}

File:Diegogarcia.jpg, showing military base.]]

As of 1971, the population of Aldabra, Farquhar, and Desroches was 246. This dropped to 155 in 1975, likely reflecting uncertainty about these islands' future status. On 23 June 1976, these islands were returned to the Seychelles, which became independent as a republic on 29 June 1976; the islands now form part of the Outer Islands district of the Seychelles. Subsequently, the territory has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago.

Work on the military base commenced in 1971, with a large airbase with several long range runways constructed, as well as a harbour suitable for large naval vessels. Although classed as a joint UK/US base, in practice it is primarily staffed by the US military, although the UK maintains a garrison at all times, and Royal Air Force (RAF) long-range patrol aircraft are deployed there.

During the 1980s,{{Year needed|date=October 2011}} Mauritius asserted a claim to sovereignty for the territory, citing the 1965 separation as illegal under international law, despite their apparent agreement at the time. The UK did not agree with the legal argument, but agreed to cede the territory to Mauritius when it was no longer required for defence purposes.{{Cite web|author=Foreign Affairs Committee|author-link=Foreign Affairs Select Committee|date=6 July 2008|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmselect/cmfaff/147/14708.htm#a39|title=Seventh Report – Overseas Territories|page=125|publisher=House of Commons|access-date=6 August 2009}} According to the CIA World Factbook, the Seychelles also had a sovereignty claim on the islands.{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2021/countries/british-indian-ocean-territory/ |title=British Indian Ocean Territory |publisher=CIA |date=2021 |access-date=4 October 2024}} In 1982, the UK and US agreed waste would be shipped away from the territory.{{rp|49}} On 27 December 1984, Mauritius established an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) which included the waters around the BIOT, an action protested by the UK.{{rp|53–54}}

File:Flag of British Indian Ocean Territory (8166415481) (rotated & cropped).jpg

In 1990, the first BIOT flag was unfurled. This flag, which also contains the Union Jack, has depictions of the Indian Ocean, where the islands are located, in the form of white and blue wavy lines and a palm tree rising above the British crown.{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/biot.htm|title=British Indian Ocean Territory|access-date=23 June 2013|publisher=WorldAtlas.com}} During the Gulf War, 20 nuclear-armed Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers were stationed at the base as a nuclear deterrent.{{rp|42}} The base was also strategically positioned to support the 2001 War in Afghanistan and the 2003 Iraq War.{{rp|66}}

On 1 October 1991, the UK created the "BIOT Fisheries Conservation and Management Zone (FCMZ)" covering the territorial seas of the BIOT.{{rp|55–56}} On 4 December 1995, the UK signed the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement on behalf of the BIOT, which was protested by Mauritius when it signed in 1997.{{rp|55}} Both Mauritius and the United Kingdom agreed to the inclusion of the BIOT within the area covered by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, which was formed in 1996.{{rp|54}} In 1996 the Mauritius Marine Conservation Society unsuccessfully sought to have the archipelago declared a World Heritage Site.{{rp|52}} Mauritius explicitly extended its ratification of the Nairobi Convention to the Chagos archipelago in 2000, although this had limited practical impact.{{rp|53}}

File:F-14A VF-102 Over Island.JPEG fly over Diego Garcia.]]

The islanders, who now mainly reside in Mauritius and Seychelles, have continually asserted their right to return to Diego Garcia, winning important legal victories in the High Court of England and Wales in 2000, 2006, and 2007. In the High Court and Court of Appeal in 2003 and 2004, the islanders' application for further compensation on top of the £14.5 million value package of compensation they had already received was dismissed by the court.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2004/997.html|title=Chagos Islanders v Attorney General & Anor [2004] EWCA Civ 997 (22 July 2004)|website=bailii.org|publisher=BAILII|access-date=27 April 2021}} Following the 2000 ruling the British government announced that Chagossians would be permitted to return to the archipelago, aside from Diego Garcia. This position was reversed in 2004, before any had moved. The United Kingdom offered citizenship to some Chagossians starting in 2002.

On 17 September 2003, the UK created the "BIOT Environmental Protection and Conservation Zone (EPCZ)" covering the BIOT's EEZ. This was opposed by Mauritius, which on 5 August 2005 reasserted their declared EEZ surrounding the territory.{{rp|55–56}}

On 11 May 2006, the High Court ruled that a 2004 Order in Council preventing the Chagossians' resettlement of the islands was unlawful, and consequently that the Chagossians were entitled to return to the outer islands of the Chagos Archipelago.{{Cite court|url=http://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/markup.cgi?doc=/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2006/1038.html|litigants=The Queen on the application of Louis Olivier Bancoult v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs|date=2006reporter=EWHC|opinion=1038 (Admin)|access-date=5 April 2013}} On 23 May 2007, this was confirmed by the Court of Appeal.{{Cite court|url=http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2007/498.html|litigants=Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs v The Queen (on the application of Bancoult)|date=2007|reporter=EWCA|opinion=Civ 498|access-date=5 April 2013}} In a visit sponsored by the British government, the islanders visited Diego Garcia and other islands on 3 April 2006 for humanitarian purposes, including the tending of the graves of their ancestors.{{Cite news|last=Reynolds|first=Paul|date=3 April 2006|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4852768.stm|title=Paradise regained – for a few days|work=BBC News|access-date=27 April 2010}} On 22 October 2008, the British government won an appeal to the House of Lords regarding the royal prerogative used to continue excluding the Chagossians from their homeland.{{Cite news|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hdjVkpT6_bzQxOkAQiXHQRIerOtw|title=Britain wins appeal over Chagos islanders' return home|agency=Agence France-Press|date=22 October 2008|access-date=5 April 2013|archive-date=29 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529024235/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hdjVkpT6_bzQxOkAQiXHQRIerOtw|url-status=dead}}{{Cite court|url=http://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/markup.cgi?doc=/uk/cases/UKHL/2008/61.htm|litigants=R (on the application of Bancoult) v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs|date=2008|reporter=UKHL|opinion=61|access-date=5 April 2013}}

File:Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - A Sailor relaxes on a sailboat in Diego Garcia..jpg

In March 2007 Mauritian president Anerood Jugnauth declared a willingness to take the dispute to the ICJ, and for Mauritius to leave the Commonwealth. In November 2007 a line of communication was established between the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Mauritian High Commission for BIOT-related matters.

The British government established the BIOT Marine Protected Area in April 2010, to mixed reactions from Chagossians. While the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office claimed that it was an environmental move as well as a necessary move to improve the coral populations off east Africa, and therefore sub-Saharan marine supplies, some Chagossians claimed that the reserve would prevent any resettlement due to the inability to fish in protected areas. The Chagossian UK-based Diego Garcian Society stated that it welcomed the marine reserve, noting that it was in the interest of Chagossians to have the area protected while they were exiled and that it could be renegotiated upon resettlement. The Foreign Office claimed the reserve was made "without prejudice to the outcome of proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights".{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8599125.stm|title=UK sets up Chagos Islands marine reserve|work=BBC News|date=1 April 2010|access-date=25 November 2011}} (That court's 2012 decision was not in favour of the Islanders anyway.){{Cite web|url=http://hudoc.echr.coe.int/fre?i=001-115714|title=Chagos Islanders against the United Kingdom: Decision.|publisher=European Court of Human Rights|date=11 December 2012}} The protected area covered the territory's EEZ, but not its territorial waters.{{rp|58}}

File:Chagossians visiting the British Indian Ocean Territory under supervision.jpg

In 2009 Mauritius began negotiating with the Maldives to jointly settle the borders of EEZs in the area. These were unsuccessful, and in 2010 the Maldives submitted a claim that overlapped with both British and Mauritian claims. The Maldives contended that as much of the northern Chagos archipelago was uninhabited, they should not be included in the determination of EEZ baselines.{{rp|57}} Arbitration between the UK and Mauritius relating to the creation of the marine protected area began in 2010.{{cite journal |author1=Peter H. Sand |title=The British Indian Ocean Territory: International Legal Black Hole? |journal=QIL, Zoom-out |volume=55 |pages=35–59 |year=2018 |url=https://www.qil-qdi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/04_Chagos_SAND_FIN-1.pdf}}{{rp|36}} This arbitration was cited by Mauritius to halt an attempt by a coalition of NGOs to have the archipelago declared a World Heritage site in 2012.{{rp|52}} In 2015 an UNCLOS tribunal ruled that the creation of a marine protected area violated British obligations. The idea to create a formal protected area was dropped.{{rp|68}}

The US-UK arrangement which established the territory for defence purposes initially was in place from 1966 to 2016, and has subsequently been renewed to continue until 2036. The announcement was accompanied by a pledge of £40 million in compensation to former residents.{{Cite news|last=Mance|first=Henry|date=16 November 2016|title=Extended US lease blocks Chagossians' return home|url=https://www.ft.com/content/abbc879a-ac1d-11e6-ba7d-76378e4fef24|newspaper=Financial Times|access-date=18 June 2020}} The base was seen as important for managing growing Chinese influence in the region.{{rp|67}}

The formerly obscure sovereignty dispute gained more international recognition as Mauritius obtained the support of other African countries. Brexit deprived the United Kingdom of support from European allies. In May 2017, Mauritius challenged the presence of the UK at a meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.{{rp|55}} On 22 June 2017 the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voted to refer the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by 94 to 15. There were 65 abstentions, including British allies such as Canada, France, and Germany.{{cite web |url=https://press.un.org/en/2017/ga11924.doc.htm |title=General Assembly Adopts Resolution Seeking International Court's Advisory Opinion on Pre-independence Separation of Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius |publisher=United Nations |date=22 June 2017 |access-date=3 October 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://amti.csis.org/a-ruling-from-the-hague/ |title=A Landmark Ruling on the Chagos Islands |author=Harsh Pant |publisher=Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative |date=15 April 2019 |access-date=3 October 2024}} In February 2019, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion by 13 votes to 1. In its advisory opinion, the Court concluded that "the process of decolonisation of Mauritius was not lawfully completed when that country acceded to independence", and that "the United Kingdom is under an obligation to bring to an end its administration of the Chagos Archipelago as rapidly as possible".{{Cite web|title=Advisory Opinion: Legal Consequences of the Separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965|url=https://www.icj-cij.org/public/files/case-related/169/169-20190225-01-00-EN.pdf|publisher=International Court of Justice|date=25 February 2019|access-date=18 October 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.icj-cij.org/en/case/169|title=Legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965 – overview of the case|website=International Court of Justice|date=25 February 2019|access-date=2 February 2021}} On 22 May 2019, the UNGA adopted a resolution citing the ICJ advisory opinion, affirming that "the Chagos Archipelago forms an integral part of the territory of Mauritius". The motion was approved by a majority vote with 116 member states voting for and 6 against.{{Cite web|title=General Assembly welcomes International Court of Justice opinion on Chagos Archipelago, adopts text calling for Mauritius' complete decolonisation|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/ga12146.doc.htm|access-date=31 July 2020|website=www.un.org}} Votes against included the neighbouring Maldives, possibly concerned about the loss of maritime security benefits that emerge from the military base. The Seychelles benefits similarly, but voted for the resolution in solidarity with the African Union.{{cite news |url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/diego-garcia-unnerving-neighbours-raising-ghosts |title=Diego Garcia: Unnerving neighbours and raising ghosts |author=Ashton Robinson |work=The Interpreter |date=18 December 2019 |access-date=4 October 2024}}

File:U.S. Army and Royal Thai Army soldiers prepare for movement during Exercise Cobra Gold 2023 at Diego Garcia.jpg at Diego Garcia.]]

On 28 January 2021, the United Nation's International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ruled, in a dispute between Mauritius and Maldives on their maritime boundary, that the United Kingdom has no sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, and that Mauritius is sovereign there. The United Kingdom disputes and does not recognise the tribunal's decision.{{Cite news|last=Harding|first=Andrew|date=28 January 2021|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-55848126|title=UN court rules UK has no sovereignty over Chagos islands|work=BBC News|access-date=1 February 2021}}{{Cite press release|url=https://www.itlos.org/fileadmin/itlos/documents/press_releases_english/PR_313_EN.pdf|title=Dispute concerning delimitation of the Maritime Boundary between Mauritius and Maldives in the Indian Ocean (Mauritius/Maldives)|id=ITLOS/Press 313|publisher=International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea|date=28 January 2021|access-date=1 February 2021}} As with the ICJ decision, this decision had no legal compulsion, although both contributed to international pressure on the UK.{{rp|61}} The Universal Postal Union (UPU), which has jurisdiction over international mail among treaty signatory states, voted in 2021 to ban the use of BIOT postage stamps on mail from BIOT, instead requiring Mauritian stamps to be used.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58321580|title=British stamps banned from Chagos Islands in Indian Ocean|work=BBC News|date=25 August 2021}}

In February 2022, exiled islanders made their first unsupervised visit to an island in the Chagos Archipelago.{{Cite news|last1=Bowcott|first1=Owen|last2=Rinvolucri|first2=Bruno|date=13 February 2022|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/12/exiled-chagos-islanders-return-uk-disputed-archipelago-mauritius|title=Exiled Chagos Islanders bask in return 'as pilgrims to abandoned place'|newspaper=The Observer|access-date=13 February 2022}} The Permanent Representative of Mauritius to the United Nations, Jagdish Koonjul, raised the Mauritian flag on Peros Banhos.{{Cite news|last1=Bowcott|first1=Owen|last2=Rinvolucri|first2=Bruno|date=14 February 2022|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/14/mauritius-formally-challenges-britains-ownership-of-chagos-islands|title=Mauritius formally challenges Britain's ownership of Chagos Islands|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=14 February 2022}}{{Cite news|last=Flanagan|first=Jane|date=14 February 2022|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/mauritius-plants-flag-on-disputed-chagos-islands-xpzprm8jq|title=Mauritius plants flag on disputed Chagos islands|newspaper=The Times|location=London|url-access=subscription|access-date=14 February 2022}} The main purpose of the 15-day Mauritian expedition is to survey the unclaimed Blenheim Reef, to discover for a forthcoming International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea hearing if it is exposed at high tide so is claimable.{{Cite news|last1=Bowcott|first1=Owen|last2=Rinvolucri|first2=Bruno|date=13 February 2022|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/13/mauritius-measures-reef-hoping-to-lay-claim-on-chagos-islands|title=Mauritius measures reef hoping to lay claim on Chagos Islands|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=14 February 2022}}{{Cite news|last1=Brewster|first1=David|last2=Bashfield|first2=Samuel|date=13 February 2022|url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/an-unclaimed-reef-adds-a-wrinkle-to-the-dispute-over-diego-garcia|title=An unclaimed reef adds a wrinkle to the dispute over Diego Garcia|publisher=The Maritime Executive|work=The Lowy Interpreter|access-date=14 February 2022}} The chartered Bleu De Nîmes was shadowed by a British fisheries protection vessel.{{Cite news|last1=Bowcott|first1=Owen|last2=Rinvolucri|first2=Bruno|date=20 February 2022|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/20/chagossian-exiles-celebrate-emotional-return-as-uk-tries-to-justify-control|title=Chagossian exiles celebrate emotional return as UK tries to justify control|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=20 February 2022}}

In October 2021 Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers landed on Diego Garcia, and submitted asylum claims. The Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees does not apply to the BIOT. Around 173 arrived in 2021 and 2022. Some were moved to Rwanda, with around 60 left as of January 2024.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67996408 |title=Diego Garcia: UN says UK military island not suitable for stranded migrants |author=Alice Cuddy |date=19 January 2024 |access-date=4 October 2024}} In 2022, a dispute arising from American defence contractor KBR allegedly prohibiting holidays during a period of low flight demand during the COVID-19 pandemic led to 800 Overseas Filipino Workers being unable to leave Diego Garcia.{{cite news |url=https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/philippines-filipino-workers-stuck-at-us-military-base-following-dispute-09162022124923.html |title=Philippines: Filipino workers stuck at US military base following dispute over vacation |author=Jojo Riñoza |work=Benar News |date=16 September 2022 |access-date=4 October 2024}}

Comparisons between the BIOT and occupied areas of Ukraine hindered British diplomatic efforts to obtain Ukrainian support following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Further pressure grew regarding Africa's "last colony", and in September 2022 British prime minister Liz Truss met with Mauritian prime minister Pravind Jugnauth{{cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/britain/2023/02/13/britain-could-soon-give-up-its-last-african-colony |title=Britain could soon give up its last African colony |newspaper=The Economist |date=13 February 2023 |access-date=4 October 2024}}{{rp|60–61}} On 3 November 2022, the British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced that the UK and Mauritius had decided to begin negotiations on sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory, taking into account international legal proceedings. Both states had agreed to ensure the continued operation of the joint UK/US military base on Diego Garcia.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/03/uk-agrees-to-negotiate-with-mauritius-over-handover-of-chagos-islands |title=UK agrees to negotiate with Mauritius over handover of Chagos Islands |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |newspaper=The Guardian |date=3 November 2022 |access-date=3 November 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2022-11-03/debates/22110340000007/ChagosArchipelago |title=Chagos Archipelago |last=Cleverly |first=James |publisher=UK Parliament |work=Hansard |id=HCWS354 |date=3 November 2022 |access-date=3 November 2022}} The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has argued this change of approach is partly due to strategic shifts in US and UK foreign policies on Asia in response to China's growing power and influence, as disputes with former colonies encourage their deepening relationship with China.{{cite web |url=https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-9673/CBP-9673.pdf |title=British Indian Ocean Territory: UK to negotiate sovereignty 2022/23 |last=Loft |first=Philip |publisher=UK Parliament |work=House of Commons Library |pages=22–23 |date=22 November 2022 |access-date=26 September 2023}}

On 3 November 2022, Patrick Wintour of the Guardian reported that the UK and Mauritius had begun negotiations on sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory, taking into account the international legal proceedings. In December 2023, Tony Diver of the Daily Telegraph reported that the British government was planning to discontinue the talks.{{Cite news |last=Diver |first=Tony |date=1 December 2023 |title=UK drops plans to hand Chagos Islands back to Mauritius |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/12/01/uk-drop-plan-to-hand-chagos-islands-back-mauritius/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231202134437/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/12/01/uk-drop-plan-to-hand-chagos-islands-back-mauritius/ |archive-date=2 December 2023 |access-date=4 December 2023 |work=The Telegraph}} These negotiations ceased in late 2023 after the UK Defence Secretary blocked the agreement that had been negotiated by the Foreign Office.

On 3 October 2024, British prime minister Keir Starmer and Mauritian prime minister Pravind Jugnauth jointly announced that an agreement had been reached under which the UK would cede sovereignty over the territory. Under the deal, Diego Garcia will be excluded from any resettlement, and the UK will continue to administer the island for at least 99 years.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98ynejg4l5o |title=UK will give sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius |author=Andrew Harding |work=BBC News |date=3 October 2024 |access-date=3 October 2024}}{{Cite web |title=UK-Mauritius deal to protect national security – safeguarding the operation of strategic military base |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-mauritius-deal-to-protect-national-security-safeguarding-the-operation-of-strategic-military-base |date=3 October 2024 |access-date=3 October 2024 |website=GOV.UK}} Chagos Islanders would be allowed to return to the other islands and a fund will be established to support resettlement.{{Cite web |title=UK and Mauritius joint statement, 3 October 2024 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-between-uk-and-mauritius-3-october-2024 |date=3 October 2024 |access-date=3 October 2024 |website=GOV.UK}}

No debate on the deal had taken place in the Parliament of the United Kingdom due to it being in recess, and the deal attracted criticism from opposition politicians such as James Cleverly,{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/chagos-islands-james-cleverly-uk-mauritius-b2623242.html|title=James Cleverly condemns Chagos deal|year=2024|work=The Independent|access-date=3 October 2024}} who, as foreign secretary, had initiated the negotiations that took place from November 2022 until December 2023. The announcement was also criticised by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who criticised the government for ignoring the constitutional convention that important matters should be announced in the House of Commons first.{{Cite news |last=Sparrow |first=Andrew |date=2024-10-07 |title=Lammy defends Chagos Islands deal as Tories claim it puts UK security at risk – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2024/oct/07/labour-budget-starmer-sue-gray-tory-party-leadership-uk-politics-latest?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with:block-670405118f080291b5187793#block-670405118f080291b5187793 |access-date=2024-10-17 |work=the Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Some Chagossians have also criticised the deal for not having included the Chagossian community in the decision-making process.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy78ejg71exo |title=Chagossians criticise lack of say in UK deal to hand over islands |date=3 October 2024 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=6 October 2024|last1=Davies|first1=Maia|last2=Hagan|first2=Rachel }}

In November 2024 the Maldives staked a surprise claim to the Chagos Islands, challenging ongoing negotiations between the UK and Mauritius over the strategically vital territory.{{cite web |url=https://www.gbnews.com/politics/chagos-islands-under-threat-maldives-stakes-claim-strategic-territory |title=Chagos Islands under threat Again as now Maldives stakes claim to strategic territory |publisher=GB News |last=Bunn |first=George |date=20 December 2024 |access-date=10 April 2025}}

On 17 December 2024, newly-elected Mauritius prime minister Navin Ramgoolam, rejected the proposed agreement and asked for talks to reopen. Following resumed negotiations, a treaty was signed on 22 May 2025 that will transfer sovereignty to Mauritius once it comes into force (expected in late 2025), with Diego Garcia military base remaining under British control during a 99-year lease.{{Cite web |title=UK signs deal to hand over Chagos Islands and lease back military base for £101m a year |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/clyvv04wk8zt |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}} The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius on the future of the British Indian Ocean Territory, since the agreement secures the long-term operation of the joint U.S.-UK military facility at Diego Garcia.{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/u-s-support-for-uk-and-mauritius-agreement-on-chagos-archipelago/|title=U.S. Support for UK and Mauritius Agreement on Chagos Archipelago |date=22 May 2025|website=United States Department of Defense}} United Nations called the agreement as significant step towards resolving a long-standing dispute in the Indian Ocean region, which demonstrates the value of diplomacy in addressing historical grievances.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/note-correspondents/2025-05-22/note-correspondents-signing-agreement-concerning-the-chagos-islands|title=Note to Correspondents: on signing Agreement concerning the Chagos Islands |date=22 May 2025|website=United Nations}} In June 2025, the Great British PAC launched a legal action aimed at demonstrating the illegal actions of the British government in signing this restitution agreement.{{Cite web |title=Judicial Review Crowdfunder Launched to Stop the Chagos Betrayal Before It’s Too Late |url=https://conservativepost.co.uk/judicial-review-crowdfunder-launched-to-stop-the-chagos-betrayal-before-its-too-late/ |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=conservativepost.co.uk |language=en}}

Following the Chagos Archipelago handover agreement, the British government is also due to introduce legislation to implement the agreement, including amending the British Nationality Act 1981 to reflect that the British Indian Ocean Territory is no longer an overseas territory following Parliament's ratification of the treaty, and to empower the British government to make secondary legislation to allow for the continued operation of the Diego Garcia military base.{{Cite web |title=2025 treaty on the British Indian Ocean Territory/Chagos Archipelago |url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10273/ |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=commonslibrary.parliament.uk |language=en}}

{{Main|Government of the British Indian Ocean Territory|Commissioner of the British Indian Ocean Territory}}

File:King Charles III (July 2023).jpg is the head of state of the British Indian Ocean Territory.]]

As a territory of the United Kingdom, the head of state is King Charles III. There is no Governor appointed to represent the King in the territory, as there are no permanent inhabitants (as is also the case in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and the British Antarctic Territory). The territory is one of eight dependencies in the Indian Ocean, alongside the Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Heard Island and McDonald Islands, all Australian possessions; the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, with the French Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean and its dependencies of Tromelin and the Glorioso Islands; along with French Mayotte and Réunion.

The head of government is the Commissioner, Nishi Dholakia, and the Administrator is Mike Vidler. The Commissioner's Representative in the territory is the officer commanding the detachment of British forces.{{Cite web|title=Governance|url=https://biot.gov.io/governance/|website=BIOT|publisher=British Indian Ocean Territory Administration|access-date=16 June 2020}}

{{Wikisource|British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004}}

The laws of the territory are based on the constitution, currently set out in the British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004, which gives the Commissioner power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the territory.{{Cite web|url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/british_indian_ocean_territory_c|title=British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004 – a Freedom of Information request to Privy Council Office|date=9 November 2012|website=WhatDoTheyKnow.com}}{{Cite journal|last=Cormacain|first=Ronan|date=1 September 2013|url=https://doi.org/10.1080/03050718.2013.822317|title=Prerogative legislation as the paradigm of bad law-making: the Chagos Islands|journal=Commonwealth Law Bulletin|volume=39|issue=3|pages=487–508|via=Taylor and Francis+NEJM|doi=10.1080/03050718.2013.822317|s2cid=131408841}} If the Commissioner has not made a law on a particular topic then, in most circumstances, the laws that apply in the territory are the same as those that apply in England and Wales under the terms of the Courts Ordinance 1983.[https://www.biot.gov.io/wp-content/uploads/The-Courts-Ord-1983-B.1.pdf British Indian Ocean Territory Ordinance No 3 of the 1983] ("the Courts Ordinance"), Article 3.1. There is no legislature (and no elections) as there are no permanent inhabitants, although a small legal system has been established for the jurisdiction. As almost all residents of the BIOT are members of the United States military, in practice, crimes are more commonly charged under United States military law.

Applicable treaties between the United Kingdom and the United States govern the use of the military base. The first exchange of notes, signed on 30 December 1966, constituted an agreement concerning the availability for defence purposes of the British Indian Ocean Territory.{{Cite journal|title=Exchange of notes constituting an agreement concerning the availability for defense purposes of the British Indian Ocean Territory|url=https://treaties.un.org/Pages/showDetails.aspx?objid=08000002801293eb&clang=_en|journal=UN Treaty Series|date=1967|volume=603|page=273|access-date=16 June 2020}} This was followed by agreements on the construction of a communications facility (1972), naval support facility (1976), [https://treaties.un.org/Pages/showDetails.aspx?objid=08000002800c052b&clang=_enoperations construction contracts]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (1987), and a [https://treaties.un.org/Pages/showDetails.aspx?objid=0800000280091d6c&clang=_en monitoring facility] (1999). The United States is reportedly required to ask permission{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}} of the United Kingdom to use the base for offensive military action.

As the BIOT forms a separate legal jurisdiction to the United Kingdom under British law, many international conventions signed by the United Kingdom were not extended to the BIOT.{{rp|39, 46}} These include humanitarian treaties, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which makes the legal situation difficult.{{Cite news|last=Bashfield|first=Samuel|date=1 June 2022|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2022/6/1/tamil-asylum-seekers-diego-garcia|title=The BIOT: A judicial vacuum now consuming Tamil refugees|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=10 June 2022}} While the UK has joint jurisdiction over the military base, the British government contends that US warships around the base are responsible solely to the US, and thus do not need to meet British treaty obligations.{{rp|43}}

Naval Party 1002 (NP 1002) is directly present in the territory, and is composed of both Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel. NP 1002 is responsible for civil administration and enforcement. Its members are tasked with policing and carrying out customs duties. Royal Marines in the territory also reportedly form a security detachment.{{Cite web|url=http://www.public.navy.mil/fcc-c10f/nctsfedetdg/Documents/WELCOME_ABOARD_JAN%202011_.pdf|title=Welcome to Diego Garcia|website=public.navy.mil|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005191638/http://www.public.navy.mil/fcc-c10f/nctsfedetdg/Documents/WELCOME_ABOARD_JAN%202011_.pdf|archive-date=5 October 2016|access-date=18 October 2022}}

Prior to 2017, the BIOT patrol vessel, MV Pacific Marlin, was based in Diego Garcia. It was operated by the Swire Pacific Offshore Group. The Pacific Marlin patrolled the marine reserve all year, and since the marine reserve was designated in April 2010, the number of apprehensions of illegal vessels within the area has increased. The ship was built in 1978 as an ocean-going tug. It is {{Convert|57.7|m|ftin|0|abbr=off}} long, with a draught of {{Convert|3.8|m|ftin|abbr=off}}, and gross tonnage of 1,200 tons. It has a maximum speed of {{Convert|12.5|kn|abbr=off|lk=on}} with an economic speed of {{Convert|11|kn|abbr=off}}, permitting a range of about {{Convert|18000|nmi|abbr=off}} and fuel endurance of 68 days. It was the oldest vessel in the Swire fleet.{{Cite news|last=Milmo|first=Cahal|date=28 March 2014|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/exclusive-british-government-under-fire-for-pollution-of-pristine-lagoon-9222170.html|title=Exclusive: British Government under fire for pollution of pristine lagoon|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=29 March 2015}} Pacific Marlin reportedly spent about 54% of her taskings on fishery patrol duties, and a further 19% on military patrol duties.{{Cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/thechagosarchipelagofacts/eppz-mpa/patrol-vessel|title=Patrol Vessel|website=The Chagos Archipelago|access-date=18 October 2022}}

In 2016, a new contract was signed with Scottish-based North Star Shipping for the use of the vessel MV Grampian Frontier (also known as the Grampian Endurance).{{cite news |url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/the-disputed-chagos-islands-have-an-illegal-fishing-problem |title=The Disputed Chagos Islands Have an Illegal Fishing Problem |work=The Maritime Executive |date=9 March 2023 |access-date=4 October 2024}} She is a {{Convert|70|m|abbr=off}} vessel carrying up to 24 personnel, and fulfils both the patrol and research role. The vessel reportedly operates in conjunction with personnel from NP 1002 on both fisheries and military enforcement tasks / exercises, and also carries scientists / researchers involved in a range of research work, particularly conservation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sailingsteelsapphire.com/blog-1/2020/8/16/the-high-point-of-our-circumnavigation|title=The high point of our circumnavigation?|website=SailingSteelSapphire.com|date=10 July 2020|access-date=18 October 2022}}{{Unreliable source?|date=October 2022}} In 2022, Grampian Frontier tracked a Mauritian-charted vessel temporarily bringing Chagossian exiles to Blenheim Reef in the archipelago.{{Cite web|last1=Bowcutt|first1=Owen|last2=Rinvolucri|first2=Bruno|date=20 February 2022|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/20/chagossian-exiles-celebrate-emotional-return-as-uk-tries-to-justify-control|title=Chagossian exiles celebrate emotional return as UK tries to justify control|work=The Guardian|access-date=18 October 2022}}

The Royal Navy also maintains two offshore patrol vessels in the Indo-Pacific region, {{HMS|Tamar|P233|6}} and {{HMS|Spey|P234|6}}. Either may be periodically employed for sovereignty protection and other duties in BIOT waters.{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2022/march/04/220322-hms-spey-delivers-vaccines-and-patrols-for-illegal-fishing-in-pitcairn-islands |title=HMS Spey delivers vaccines and patrols for illegal fishing in Pitcairn Islands |publisher=Royal Navy |date=4 March 2022 |access-date=18 October 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2022/may/16/20220516-tamar-and-spey-underline-uks-renewed-commitment-to-the-indo-pacific |title=Tamar and Spey underline UK's renewed commitment to the Indo-Pacific |publisher=Royal Navy |date=16 May 2022 |access-date=18 October 2022}} HMS Tamar paid a rare visit to the islands in February/March 2023 conducting fisheries protection and other missions.{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2023/march/09/20230309-hms-tamar-protects-paradise-in-rare-visit-to-uks-indian-ocean-territory |title=HMS Tamar protects paradise in rare visit to UK's Indian Ocean territory |publisher=Royal Navy |date=9 March 2023 |access-date=20 March 2023}}

{{Main|Geography of the British Indian Ocean Territory}}

File:Chagos map 2.svg

The territory was an archipelago of 58 islands covering {{convert|56|km2|sqmi}}. The largest island is Diego Garcia, which at {{convert|32.5|km2|sqmi}} accounts for about half of the territory's total land area. The rest of the island's are much smaller, with the second largest being just over {{convert|3.1|km2|sqmi}}.{{rp|65}} The terrain is flat and low,{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} with an average elevation of {{Convert|1.33|m|ft}} above sea level.{{rp|50}} In 2010, {{Convert|545000|km2|abbr=off}} of ocean around the islands was declared a marine reserve.

The British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004 defined the territory as comprising the following islands or groups of islands:

• Diego Garcia
• Three Brothers Islands
• Egmont Islands
• Nelson Island
• Peros Banhos
• Eagle Islands
• Salomon Islands
• Danger Island

These islands and associated coral reefs lie between 4°44 and 7°41 south and 70°47 and 72°47 east.

As indicated above, the territory also included Aldabra, Farquhar and Desroches between 1965 and 1976; the latter group of islands is located north of Madagascar and were annexed from and returned to the Seychelles.

The climate is tropical marine; hot, humid, and moderated by trade winds.{{Cite web|title=HA08 – British Indian Ocean Territory|url=https://www.ctbto.org/verification-regime/featured-stations/types/hydroacoustic/ha08-british-indian-ocean-territory-biotchagos-archipelago-united-kingdom|website=ctbto.org|publisher=Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization|access-date=16 June 2020}} These winds originate from the southeast from May to November, reversing for the rest of the year. The average temperature is {{convert|27|C|F}}, and does not vary greatly throughout the year. While rain is common, the territory lies outside of cyclone paths that cross the Indian Ocean further south.{{rp|68}} The Diego Garcia military base is the United States military's overseas base most at risk from climate change.{{rp|50}}

File:Terminal BIOT.jpg

In terms of transportation on Diego Garcia, the island has short stretches of paved road between the port and airfield, and on its streets; transport is mostly by bicycle and on foot. The island had many wagonways, which were donkey-hauled narrow-gauge railways for the transport of coconut wagons. These are no longer in use and have deteriorated.{{Cite web|first=Ted|last=Morris|url=http://www.zianet.com/tedmorris/dg/tara.html|title=Diego Garcia – The Plantation|publisher=zianet.com}}

Diego Garcia's military base is home to the territory's only airport. At {{Convert|3000|m|abbr=off}} long, the runway is capable of supporting heavy US Air Force bombers such as the B-52, and would have been able to support the Space Shuttle in the event of a mission abort.{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/03/09/asia/chagos-islands-feature-intl/index.html |title=Is the United States about to lose control of its secretive Diego Garcia military base? |last=Marsh |first=Jenni |publisher=CNN |date=10 March 2019 |access-date=25 September 2023}} It also has a major naval seaport,{{Cite web|title=US Naval Support Facility, Diego Garcia|url=https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Regions/cnrj/installations/nsf_diego_garcia/|website=www.cnic.navy.mil|publisher=US Navy|access-date=16 June 2020}} and there is also a marina bus service along the main road of the island.{{Cite web|title=On the Chop's visit to Diego Garcia|url=http://thebaltimorechop.com/2010/10/12/on-the-chops-visit-to-diego-garcia/|date=12 October 2010|website=TheBaltimoreChop.com|access-date=5 April 2013}}

Yacht crews seeking safe passage across the Indian Ocean may apply for a mooring permit for the uninhabited Outer Islands (beyond Diego Garcia),{{Cite web|title=How to apply for a mooring permit|url=https://biot.gov.io/visiting/mooring-permits/|website=www.biot.gov.io|publisher=BIOT Administration|access-date=16 June 2020}} but must not approach within {{Convert|3|nmi|abbr=off}}, land on, or anchor at islands designated as Strict Nature Reserves, or the nature reserve within the Peros Banhos atoll. Unauthorised vessels or persons are not permitted access to Diego Garcia, and no unauthorised vessel is permitted to approach within three nautical miles of the island.{{Cite web|title=Mooring site plots|url=https://biot.gov.io/visiting/mooring-permits/mooring-site-plots/|website=www.biot.gov.io|publisher=BIOT Administration|access-date=16 June 2020}}

File:Salomons Atoll in the Chagos.jpg

The territory is part of the International Whaling Commission's 1979 Indian Ocean Whale Sanctuary.{{rp|47}} The Ramsar Convention was extended to the BIOT on 8 September 1998, and application for non-military areas of Diego Garcia began on 4 July 2001.{{rp|47–48}} BIOT is also subject to CITES, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species, and the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.{{rp|48}}

File:Turtle in the Chagos Archipelago (7029059351).jpg in a coral reef in the Chagos Archipelago.]]

On 1 April 2010, the Chagos Marine Protected Area (MPA) was declared to cover the waters around the Chagos Archipelago. Mauritius objected, stating this was contrary to its legal rights, and on 18 March 2015, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that the MPA was illegal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as Mauritius had legally binding rights to fish in the waters surrounding the archipelago, to an eventual return of the archipelago, and to the preservation of any minerals or oil discovered in or near the archipelago prior to its return.{{Cite news|last1=Bowcott|first1=Owen|last2=Jones|first2=Sam|date=19 March 2015|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/19/un-ruling-raises-hope-of-return-for-exiled-chagos-islanders|title=UN ruling raises hope of return for exiled Chagos islanders|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=29 March 2015}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.pca-cpa.org/showfile.asp?fil_id=2901|title=Chagos Marine Protected Area arbitration (Mauritius v. United Kingdom) (Press Release and Summary of Award)|publisher=Permanent Court of Arbitration|date=19 March 2015|access-date=29 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402064110/http://www.pca-cpa.org/showfile.asp?fil_id=2901|archive-date=2 April 2015}}

File:Ctenella.jpg Ctenella chagius is endemic to the reefs of the Chagos]]

The MPA's declaration doubled the total area of environmental no-take zones worldwide. The benefits of protecting this area are described as follows:

• Providing an environmental benchmark for other areas (unlike the rest of the world, the BIOT has been relatively untouched by man's actions);
• Providing a natural laboratory to help understand climate change;
• An opportunity for research related to marine science, biodiversity, and climate change;
• Acting as a reserve for species in danger in other areas; and
• Providing an export supply of surplus juveniles, larvae, seeds, and spores to help with output in neighbouring areas.{{Cite web|author=North Sea Marine Cluster|title=Managing Marine Protected Areas|url=http://nsmc.eu.com/Marine-Protected-Areas-Report-3.pdf|publisher=NSMC|date=2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530213720/http://nsmc.eu.com/Marine-Protected-Areas-Report-3.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=30 May 2013|access-date=5 February 2013}}

The area had already been declared an Environmental (Preservation and Protection) Zone, but since the establishment of the MPA, fishing has no longer been permitted in the area.

The BIOT Administration has facilitated several visits to the territory by the eldest Chagossians, and environmental training for UK-based Chagossians that allows some to become involved in scientific work (alongside visiting scientists).{{Cite web|title=BIOT history|url=https://biot.gov.io/about/history/|website=biot.gov.io|publisher=BIOT Administration|access-date=16 June 2020}}

The islands are surrounded by very productive fisheries.{{rp|64}} As the BIOT EEZ is patrolled by only one dedicated vessel, the Grampian Frontier, it is difficult to monitor illegal fishing. A rise in illegal fishing in the early 2020s led to a decrease in sharks, and the Royal Navy ship HMS Tamar was sent to assist with monitoring efforts.

File:DG Ariel Plantation.jpg in Diego Garcia, was the largest civilian settlement in the archipelago, and served as the administrative capital until the depopulation of the territory.]]

The British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004 states that "no person has the right of abode" in the territory as it "was constituted and is set aside to be available for the defence purposes of the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of the United States of America", and accordingly, "no person is entitled to enter or be present in the Territory except as authorised" by its laws.

As there is no permanent population, or census, information on the demographics of the territory is limited; the size of the population is related to its offensive requirements. Diego Garcia, with a land area of {{Convert|27|km2|abbr=off}}, is the only inhabited island in the territory, and therefore has an estimated average population density of around 110 persons per km².

Diego Garcia's population is normally limited to official visitors and military-essential personnel only, and family members are not authorised to travel to Diego Garcia (the island therefore has no schools). Personnel may not travel to the island for leave, but they may transit through Diego Garcia to connect with follow-on flights.{{Cite web|title=Visitor information|url=https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Regions/cnrj/installations/nsf_diego_garcia/about/installation_guide/visitor_information/|website=cnic.navy.mil|publisher=US Navy|access-date=18 June 2020}} The population in 1995 was estimated to be approximately 3,300; i.e. 1,700 UK and US military personnel and 1,500 civilian contractors. The total population was reportedly 4,000 persons in 2006, of whom 2,200 were US military personnel or contractors, 1,400 were Overseas Filipino Worker contract staff, 300 were Mauritian contract staff, and 100 were members of the British Armed Forces.{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}} The population had decreased to around 3,000 persons in 2018. United Nations population statistics indicate that island's population is comparable to that of the Falkland Islands. The remainder of the archipelago is ordinarily uninhabited.

In October 2021, 89 Sri Lankan Tamils, including 20 children, who were traveling from India to Canada in a vessel which ran into distress, were intercepted and escorted to Diego Garcia by the British military. After more than seven months without a resolution to their situation on the island, 42 of them started a hunger strike. London solicitors for 81 of them say they have been given no information about how they may claim international protection, or how long they will be kept on Diego Garcia.{{Cite news|last=Siddique|first=Haroon|date=20 May 2022|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/20/tamil-refugees-detained-by-uk-on-chagos-islands-go-on-hunger-strike|title=Tamil refugees detained by UK on Chagos Islands go on hunger strike|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=20 May 2022}}

On 10 April 2022, a further 30 asylum seekers rescued from a second vessel joined the 89 Sri Lankans, who are being kept in a tented fenced-in camp.{{Cite news|last=Goldberg|first=Jacob|date=20 May 2022|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/20/asylum-seekers-stuck-on-diego-garcia-start-hunger-strike|title=Asylum seekers stuck on Diego Garcia start hunger strike|website=AlJazeera.com|access-date=10 June 2022}}{{Cite news|last=Israel|first=Simon|date=10 June 2022|url=https://www.channel4.com/news/sri-lankans-stranded-in-diego-garcia-after-rescue-from-sinking-boat|title=Sri Lankans stranded in Diego Garcia after rescue from sinking|publisher=Channel 4 News|location=London, England|access-date=10 June 2022}} On 25 October 2022, the British government stated it "remains committed to supporting their departure" and they "will not be permitted to make a claim for asylum in the UK".{{cite web |url=https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2022-10-19/67039 |title=Diego Garcia: Asylum |last=Norman |first=Jesse |publisher=UK Parliament |id=UIN 67039 |date=25 October 2022 |access-date=1 November 2022}}

Further small boats with Tamil refugees that ran into difficulties were escorted to Diego Garcia, where repairs were made, and they were permitted to leave. One boat carrying 46 people went on to the French territory of Réunion.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/16/diego-garcia-uk-accused-tamil-refugees-at-risk-indian-ocean |title=UK accused of putting Tamil refugees at risk in Indian Ocean |last=Siddique |first=Haroon |newspaper=The Guardian |date=16 October 2022 |access-date=1 November 2022}}{{cite news |url=http://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/44098/uk-plans-to-deport-tamil-refugees-on-british-territory-in-rwandastyle-plan |title=UK plans to deport Tamil refugees on British territory in Rwanda-style plan |last=Mellersh |first=Natasha |website=InfoMigrants |date=19 October 2022 |access-date=1 November 2022}}

The BIOT commissioner ruled that the group that had arrived in October 2021 could be lawfully returned to Sri Lanka. Ten group members challenged this decision in the BIOT Supreme Court, on the basis that the decision-making process was flawed, and were granted a judicial review that was due to be heard in September 2023. Shortly before the judicial review hearing, lawyers representing the commissioner withdrew all the decisions, and the commissioner agreed to reassess each protection claim using reviewers not previously involved in the cases. The solicitor for eight of the group said: "Our clients are relieved that the BIOT commissioner has finally agreed to withdraw the unlawful decisions to forcibly return them to Sri Lanka where they face risk of torture and persecution."{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/25/tamil-refugees-diego-garcia-win-fight-against-forcible-return-sri-lanka |title=Tamil refugees on Diego Garcia win fight against forcible return to Sri Lanka |last=Taylor |first=Diane |newspaper=The Guardian |date=25 September 2023 |access-date=25 September 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.matrixlaw.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BIOT-SC-No1-2023_.pdf |title=The King v The Commissioner for the British Indian Ocean Territory – Consent Order |id=BIOT/SC/No.l/2023 and BIOT/SC/No.2/2023 |publisher=Supreme Court of the British Indian Ocean Territory |date=25 September 2023 |access-date=27 September 2023}}

The asylum seekers live in tents in a fenced camp of approximately 100 m × 140 m ({{convert|14000|sqm|ha|abbr=on|disp=or}}), which they cannot leave without a security escort. "Most of the children have never left the camp other than infrequent visits to the beach under security escort" a report by a UN agency says. There have been reports of sexual assault (by other asylum seekers), self-harm and suicide attempts. As of February 2024, there were 61 people in the camp.{{cite web |title=Diego Garcia: The tropical island 'hell' for dozens of stranded migrants |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65777863 |website=BBC |access-date=19 February 2024 |date=11 June 2023}}{{cite web |title=Diego Garcia asylum seekers feel unsafe on remote British island territory |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-68326365 |website=BBC |access-date=19 February 2024 |date=18 February 2024}}

In December 2024, Judge Margaret Obi of the BIOT Supreme Court ruled that twelve of the asylum seekers had been unlawfully detained.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgpe7721qwo|title=UK unlawfully detained migrants on Diego Garcia, judge finds|first=Alice|last=Cuddy|publisher=BBC News|date=17 December 2024|access-date=18 December 2024}}

File:USS Saratoga (CV-60), USS Scott (DDG-995) and USS Monongahela (AO-178) at Diego Garcia on 16 December 1985.jpeg

All economic activity is concentrated on Diego Garcia, where joint UK/US defence facilities are located. Construction projects and the operation of various services needed to support the military installations are carried out by military, and contract employees from Britain, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the United States. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. Until the creation of the marine sanctuary, the licensing of commercial fishing provided an annual income of about US$1 million for the territory.{{Cite hansard|house=House of Commons|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmhansrd/vo040621/text/40621w13.htm#40621w13.html_sbhd2|title=British Indian Ocean Territories|date=21 June 2004|column=1219W}}

File:Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - USS Topeka prepares to come alongside the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land..jpg

United States President Donald Trump announced a 10% tariff on the British Indian Ocean Territory on 2 April 2025.{{cite news |last1=Lendon |first1=Brad |title=An uninhabited island, a military base and a ‘desolate’ former whaling station. Trump’s tariffs include unlikely targets |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/03/business/trump-tariffs-uninhabited-islands-intl-hnk/index.html |work=CNN |date=3 April 2025 |language=en}}

File:Street in Diego Garcia.jpg

The Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) section provides several facilities on Diego Garcia, including a library, outdoor cinema, shops, and sports centres, with prices in US dollars. The BIOT Post Office provides outbound postal services, and postage stamps have been issued for the territory since 17 January 1968. As the territory was originally part of Mauritius and the Seychelles, these stamps were denominated in rupees until 1992, after which were issued in denominations of pound sterling, the territory's official currency. Basic medical services are provided, with the option of medical evacuation where required, and the territory has no schools.{{Cite web|title=Feasibility study for the resettlement of the British Indian Ocean Territory, Volume 1|url=http://qna.files.parliament.uk/ws-attachments/178757/original/Feasibility%20study%20for%20the%20resettlement%20of%20the%20British%20Indian%20Ocean%20Territory%20Volume%201.pdf|website=Parliament.uk|publisher=KPMG|access-date=18 June 2020|date=31 January 2015}}

Cable & Wireless started operating telecommunications services in 1982, under licence from the British government. In April 2013, the company was acquired by the Batelco Group, and Cable & Wireless (Diego Garcia) Ltd subsequently changed its name to Sure (Diego Garcia) Ltd; Sure International is the corporate division of the business.

Due to its geographic location in proximity to the Equator, with unobstructed views to the horizon, Diego Garcia has access to a relatively large number of geosynchronous satellites over the Indian and eastern Atlantic Oceans, and the island is home to Diego Garcia Station (DGS), a remote tracking station making up part of the United States Space Force's Satellite Control Network (SCN); the station has two sides to provide enhanced tracking capabilities for AFSCN users.{{Cite web|title=20th Space Control Squadron, Det 2|url=https://www.peterson.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1060320/20th-space-control-squadron-det-2/|website=Peterson.af.mil|publisher=US Air Force|access-date=17 June 2020}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

In spring 2022, Diego Garcia was connected to a fiber-optic submarine communications cable, as a spur to the new commercial Oman Australia Cable connecting Perth to Muscat, which ran near the island. The cable also has a spur to Australia's Cocos Islands which has an airfield due to support maritime patrol aircraft. The cable cost $300 million, with the U.S. DOD contributing about a third of the cost.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/us-china-tech-subcom/ |title=Inside the subsea cable firm secretly helping America take on China |last=Brock |first=Joe |publisher=Reuters |url-access=limited |date=6 July 2023 |access-date=20 November 2023}}

The territory has three FM radio broadcast stations; provided by the American Forces Network (AFN) and British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS). Amateur radio operations occur from Diego Garcia, using the British callsign prefix VQ9. An amateur club station, VQ9X, was sponsored by the US Navy for use by operators both licensed in their home country and possessing a VQ9 callsign issued by the local British Indian Ocean Territory representative.{{Cite web|last=Arneson |first=((Larry (VQ9LA)))|title=VQ9X Club Station|url=http://www.qsl.net/vq9la/2.htm|work=QSL.NET|access-date=20 September 2013}} The navy closed the station in early 2013, and any future licensed amateurs wishing to operate from the island would therefore have had to provide their own antenna and radio equipment.{{Cite web|title=(Post of) May 24, 2013|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=653189054707236&id=148071511885662|work=Official VQ9X Facebook page|access-date=20 September 2013|last=Arneson |first=((Larry (VQ9LA)))}}

The .io (Indian Ocean) country-code top-level domain was delegated by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to British entrepreneur Paul Kane in 1997, and was operated for private benefit under the trade name 'Internet Computer Bureau' from 1997 until 2017.{{Cite web|last=Bridle|first=James|title=.IO: British Indian Ocean Territory|url=http://citizen-ex.com/stories/io|publisher=Citizen Ex|access-date=2 August 2021|archive-date=2 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702173249/http://citizen-ex.com/stories/io|url-status=dead}} In April 2017, Paul Kane sold the Internet Computer Bureau holding company to privately held domain name registry services provider Afilias for US$70 million in cash.{{Cite web|last=Murphy|first=Kevin|date=9 November 2018|title=Afilias bought .io for $70 million|url=http://domainincite.com/23650-afilias-bought-io-for-70-million|publisher=Domain Incite|access-date=13 August 2020}}

In July 2021, the Chagos Refugees Group UK submitted a complaint to the Irish government against Paul Kane and Afilias, seeking repatriation of the .io domain, and payment of back royalties from the $7m per year in revenue generated by the domain.{{Cite web|last=Levy|first=Jonathan|title=Complaint filed against Afilias Ltd. (Ireland) including its subsidiaries 101domain GRS Limited (Ireland), Internet Computer Bureau Limited (England & British Indian Ocean Territory), in respect of OECD guidelines violations in operation of ccTLD .io, before the Ireland OECD national contact point|url=http://www.jlevy.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/OECD-July-28-2021-Afilias-Ltd.pdf|publisher=Chagos Refugees Group UK|access-date=2 August 2021}}

The Chagos Islands national football team, started by the descendants of exiled Chagossians, has represented the islands in non-FIFA competitions, including the 2016 CONIFA World Football Cup.{{cite web | title=The team representing a lost homeland, 6,000 miles away | website=BBC Sport | date=6 July 2022 | url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61998551 | access-date=5 April 2024}}

{{Portal|Geography|Asia||United Kingdom|}}

• Chagos Archipelago sovereignty dispute
• Index of United Kingdom–related articles
• Legal Consequences of the Separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965
• List of sovereign states and dependent territories in the Indian Ocean

Citations

{{Reflist}}

Further reading

• {{Cite book|last1=Wenban-Smith|first1=N|last2=Carter|first2= M.|date=2016|title=Chagos: A History, Exploration, Exploitation, Expulsion|location=London, England|publisher=Chagos Conservation Trust|isbn=978-0-9954596-0-1}}

{{Commons category}}

{{Wiktionary|British Indian Ocean Territory}}

{{Wikivoyage|British Indian Ocean Territory}}

;Official websites

• [https://biot.gov.io British Indian Ocean Territory Administration] – official website
• [https://www.gov.uk/government/world/british-indian-ocean-territory/news British Indian Ocean Territory] – British government site
• [https://biot.gov.io/wp-content/uploads/British_Indian_Ocean_Territory_Map.jpg British Indian Ocean Territory – official map]
• [https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Regions/cnrj/installations/nsf_diego_garcia/ Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia] – US Navy website
• [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukmauritius-agreement-concerning-the-chagos-archipelago-including-diego-garcia-cs-mauritius-no12025 UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia]

{{British overseas territories}}

{{Chagos Islands dispute}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1965 establishments in Asia

Category:1965 establishments in the United Kingdom

Category:States and territories established in 1965

Category:Chagos Archipelago