Chagos Islands
The Chagos Islands are located in the Indian Ocean, comprising seven atolls
The northernmost atoll is Peros Banhos, situated about 300 miles from Addu Atoll, the southern tip of the Maldives.
This chain of islands is the southernmost archipelago of the Chagos–Laccadive Ridge, a long submarine mountain range in the Indian Ocean
The UK has agreed to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending years of bitter dispute over Britain's last African colony
Historical Relationship
A letter from a Maldives Sultan in 1560 indicates that the Peros Banhos Atoll was recognized as belonging to the Sultanate.
Maldivians refer to the Chagos Islands as Foalhavahi, linking them to the nearby FoaMulak Atoll in the Maldives.
Historical navigation routes and Malay heritage connect the two regions, with shared linguistic and cultural influences.
Control over the Chagos Islands shifted due to British-French conflicts, leading to British sovereignty by 1965.
For centuries, Maldivians used Peros Banhos as a base for fishing expeditions, highlighting ongoing cultural and economic ties.
Geographical Relationship
The Chagos Islands' reefs and sandbanks are closer to the Maldives, reinforcing historical and cultural links.
Both regions rely on the rich marine biodiversity of the Indian Ocean, with sustainable fishing practices in place.
Modern Context and Marine Conservation
The Chagos Islands and Maldives maintain protected marine zones against industrial fishing, crucial for sustaining fish stocks.
As Britain decolonizes its territories, there’s a push for joint efforts among Indian Ocean nations to ensure the protection of marine environments in the Chagos Archipelago.
The historical ties, cultural connections, and marine conservation efforts emphasize the importance of collaboration between the Maldives and the Chagos Islands.
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