Why is it in the news?
Missile-related tensions highlighted the strategic importance of Diego Garcia.
It is a key military base in the Indian Ocean.
Category: IR
Important Points:
● Diego Garcia is a coral atoll in central Indian Ocean
● Part of Chagos Archipelago under British Indian Ocean Territory
● Largest island of the archipelago
● Leased by UK to US in 1966 for military base
● Hosts major US air and naval base
● Indigenous population was displaced during base construction
● Important geostrategic and logistics hub
● UN has called for return of territory to Mauritius
● Plays key role in Indian Ocean security