Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the UK announced the transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The agreement, reached after extensive negotiations, allows the UK to maintain military operations on Diego Garcia. Jugnauth acknowledged the support from the African Union and India in this decolonization process.
On Friday, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth expressed his gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the announcement by the United Kingdom regarding the transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. This historic agreement comes after years of dispute, with the UK agreeing to hand over the remote archipelago while retaining a military presence on Diego Garcia. In a statement on the social media platform X, Progessive Jugnauth acknowledged the support received from various international entities, recognizing the significant role played by the African Union and India in their decolonization efforts. Following the UK government’s announcement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also commended Prime Minister Jugnauth, highlighting the political accord reached after extensive negotiations spanning two years. The Chagos Islands, comprised of approximately 60 islands, have been a subject of contention, with discussions regarding their future status starting under a previous Conservative administration.
The Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, have long been at the center of a sovereignty dispute between Mauritius and the United Kingdom. Following Mauritius gaining independence in 1968, the UK retained control over the islands, later establishing a military base on Diego Garcia. The issue of the islands has drawn significant international attention, especially concerning the rights of the indigenous people who were displaced. Efforts for decolonisation and restoring sovereignty have gained momentum in recent years, culminating in this recent agreement between the UK and Mauritius.
The recent agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands from the United Kingdom to Mauritius marks a significant milestone in the decolonization process. Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth’s acknowledgment of international support, along with the constructive discussions between Mauritius and the UK, reflects a substantial step towards restoring sovereignty and addressing the historical grievances associated with colonialism.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
