The U.K. and ‘leaving lessons’ from the Indian Ocean

The historical and geopolitical significance of the Chagos Islands has resurfaced in discussions about sovereignty, historical ties to the Maldives, and marine conservation efforts. The islands, particularly Peros Banhos, are recognized for their cultural and ecological importance, prompting calls for collaborative management and protection.

Historical Ties to the Maldives

• Sultan's Claim: A 1560 letter from a Maldives Sultan identifies Peros Banhos as belonging to the Sultanate, highlighting historical claims to the Chagos Islands. This reference underlines the islands' long-standing connection to Maldivian history.
• Cultural Connections: The Maldivians refer to Peros Banhos as ‘FoaLhavahi’, indicating a linguistic and cultural link with the nearby FoaMulak Atoll. British historians have noted similarities in naming, suggesting deep-rooted connections between these atolls.
• Navigation Routes: Historically, navigators utilized routes linking FoaLhavahi to the Malay Peninsula, showcasing the strategic importance of these islands. The Arab navigator Ahmad Ibn Majid documented these maritime pathways, emphasizing their significance in regional navigation.

Colonial and Slave Trade History

• Colonial Sovereignty: The sovereignty of the Chagos Islands shifted during British-French conflicts, ultimately resting with the UK by 1965. The transfer to Mauritius during decolonization lacked justification considering the historical ties to the Maldives.
• Slave Trade Influence: In the 1700s, the islands were populated by slaves from Zanzibar, paralleling the Maldivian slave trade from Africa. This shared history likely means that the populations of the Maldives and Chagos have ancestral connections.
• Fishing Expeditions: Maldivian sultans historically used the islands for fishing expeditions, with expeditions marking their ownership. This practice established a traditional relationship with the islands, reinforcing claims of sovereignty.

Marine Conservation Importance

• Declining Fish Stocks: The Indian Ocean faces rapid depletion of fish stocks due to industrial fishing practices. Only the Maldives and Chagos currently enjoy full protection from such exploitative activities.
• Sustainable Fishing Practices: Maldivian fishermen utilize sustainable pole-and-line techniques, minimizing bycatch and preserving marine biodiversity. This sustainable approach contrasts sharply with industrial fishing methods employed by external nations.
• Collaborative Protection Efforts: To ensure marine conservation, Great Britain should engage with the Maldives regarding the Chagos Islands' protected status. Joint agreements among Indian Ocean nations, including the Maldives and Mauritius, are crucial for ongoing ecological preservation.

Practice Question

Q. Analyze the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of the Chagos Islands in relation to the Maldives. Discuss the implications of sovereignty disputes and the importance of marine conservation in the Indian Ocean.