Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22 to strengthen bilateral relations following the recent formation of a new government. This engagement reflects India’s strategic focus on its SAGAR vision and coincides with ongoing negotiations concerning the Chagos Islands. The visit marks a significant diplomatic effort to enhance ties and address regional issues with Mauritius.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22, following the establishment of a new government led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening relations with Mauritius, in alignment with its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and “Africa Forward” policy. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this engagement marks the first high-level discussion subsequent to the formation of the new government.
India and Mauritius share a deep-rooted historical relationship, encompassing cooperation across various sectors. The forthcoming visit presents an opportunity to enhance these bilateral ties. Additionally, this visit coincides with Ramgoolam’s recent communications with the United Kingdom concerning the Chagos Islands, highlighting the active diplomatic discussions involved in this matter.
Prime Minister Ramgoolam recently submitted counterproposals to the UK regarding a historical agreement over the strategic Chagos Islands. Britain had previously signaled a willingness to cede sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius, proposing a condition where both the UK and the US would retain control over the military base on Diego Garcia for a minimum of 99 years. Ramgoolam articulated that the current terms of the deal would not yield the anticipated benefits, indicating his government’s intention to engage in further negotiations with the UK.
The Diego Garcia base, which hosts approximately 2,500 US military personnel, is considered pivotal for military operations extending to regions within West and South Asia and East Africa. India has consistently supported Mauritius’s claim over the Chagos Islands, reinforcing its principled stance on decolonization and the sovereignty of nations, thereby welcoming Britain’s October decision to cede sovereignty as a step towards resolving this longstanding territorial dispute.
The importance of the upcoming visit by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Mauritius is heightened by the recent changes in the political landscape of the African nation, specifically under the leadership of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit not only reaffirms India’s commitment to its bilateral ties with Mauritius but also aligns with India’s strategic initiatives aimed at fostering growth and security in the Indian Ocean region through initiatives such as SAGAR and the “Africa Forward” policy. These developments coincide with ongoing discussions regarding the territorial status of the Chagos Islands, a key point of interest for both nations, reflecting the intricate dynamics of regional diplomacy and international relations.
In conclusion, the visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Mauritius signifies India’s dedication to nurturing its longstanding bilateral relations, especially following the recent formation of a new government. The discussions surrounding the Chagos Islands illustrate the complex layers of diplomatic negotiations at play, as both India and Mauritius seek to assert their positions regarding sovereignty and regional security. This visit underscores the mutual interests of the nations in collaborating for growth and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
