India has pledged its support for Mauritius in negotiations over the Chagos Islands with the UK, ahead of PM Modi’s visit. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has indicated that discussions between Mauritius and the UK may be progressing towards a mutually agreeable solution, following a historic agreement about the islands’ sovereignty.
India has reaffirmed its support for Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands, highlighting this issue as a significant topic in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming discussions with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Mauritius on March 11 and 12, 2023. At a recent media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri suggested that Mauritius and the United Kingdom have made progress towards a mutually acceptable resolution concerning Chagos.
In October 2022, the UK announced it would transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after decades of conflict, formalized through a historic agreement. This agreement, established during former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth’s administration, allows the UK to maintain a 99-year lease for the military base located on Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands. However, the new government under Ramgoolam has expressed a desire to reopen negotiations with the UK regarding Chagos Islands.
Misri emphasized India’s strong support for Mauritius’ claim to sovereignty over Chagos, reflecting India’s historical commitment to decolonization and the respect for the territorial integrity of nations. “It is fitting for us to articulate this support for partners such as Mauritius,” he remarked. Moreover, he noted that the renewed government in Mauritius is reconsidering certain aspects of the Chagos agreement and that discussions between Mauritius and the UK are ongoing, with a potentially acceptable deal in sight.
In summary, India’s backing of Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands demonstrates its support for decolonization and territorial integrity. The issue is expected to play a crucial role during Prime Minister Modi’s visit, where both nations may further negotiate their interests with the UK. Continuation of dialogues between Mauritius and the UK signifies progress, albeit with the new government seeking to reassess prior agreements, reflecting shifting diplomatic dynamics.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
