Diego Garcia: America Controls This Island In Indian Ocean; Bombs Afghanistan, Iraq From Here; The Big 2036 Game Plan?

The Indian Ocean, located south of India, is a vast maritime area closely monitored by not just China but also the U.S. and other global powers due to its significant trade routes. Despite being over 20,000 km away, the U.S. maintains a military base in this region, specifically on the island of Diego Garcia, which resembles a small pill. 

The U.K. has historically controlled Diego Garcia, but in 1966, the U.S. secured a 50-year lease for the base. This lease has been extended until 2036. The local population was displaced, and the area has been fortified with U.S. military assets, including fighter jets and war materials, with restricted access to outsiders. Reports indicate that U.S. fighter jets have launched bombing missions over Afghanistan and Iraq from this base. 

The UN Special Court has declared Diego Garcia as part of Mauritius, yet both the U.S. and the U.K. refuse to vacate the area. The strategic importance of the base remains high, with the U.K. not charging rent in exchange for the U.S. presence. In April, the U.S. stationed two B-52 bombers there under the guise of a training program, highlighting its readiness for military operations across Asia, including regions like China, Iran-Iraq, and Africa. 

 During the 1971 India-Pakistan war, Indian strategists expressed concerns about the U.S. presence in Diego Garcia, as the Cold War context saw the U.S. aligned with Pakistan. Although India won the war, the potential for U.S. military support to Pakistan remained a concern. 

The U.S. defends its position by claiming that if Diego Garcia were returned to Mauritius, it could potentially fall into Chinese control, which would jeopardize regional security. Despite strong ties between Mauritius and China, there are no security agreements between them. The U.S. strategy involves maintaining surveillance and readiness from Diego Garcia. 

The Indian Ocean is home to 33 countries and approximately 3 billion people. Two-thirds of the world's oil shipments pass through this region. Diego Garcia's location on the trade route between Asia and Africa, 300 miles from the Maldives, further enhances its strategic value. Following the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. reportedly used the base as a detention center for suspected terrorists, underscoring its strategic significance in the Indian Ocean.