Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22, marking India’s commitment to strengthen bilateral ties following the new government formation. This visit aligns with India’s SAGAR vision and “Africa Forward” policy amidst ongoing negotiations concerning the Chagos Islands, historically claimed by Mauritius and recently endorsed by India for sovereignty transfer discussions with the UK.
The visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Mauritius from December 20 to 22 signifies India’s commitment to strengthening relations with Mauritius following the establishment of the new government led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit, the first high-level engagement since the new administration took office, remains aligned with India’s SAGAR vision and “Africa Forward” policy, illustrating India’s dedication to fostering ties with the Global South. As the two nations share a rich historical connection and ongoing cooperation across various sectors, this meeting presents a valuable opportunity to enhance bilateral relations further.
Additionally, the visit occurs amidst discussions related to the Chagos Islands, a territory historically claimed by Mauritius. Ramgoolam has expressed intentions to renegotiate with the United Kingdom regarding a significant deal, which involves British control over the Diego Garcia military base for at least 99 years. In October, the UK indicated readiness to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius, which India has endorsed zealously, reaffirming its stance on decolonization and the territorial integrity of nations.
The successful advancement of discussions around the Chagos Islands could potentially yield benefits for Mauritius, providing the country with leverage in diplomatic negotiations, while also solidifying India’s role as a supportive partner in the region. This visit and ongoing dialogue underscore the importance of mutual cooperation in addressing both historical grievances and contemporary geopolitical challenges.
India and Mauritius share a long-standing relationship that has evolved over many years, founded on shared historical ties and ongoing collaboration across multiple sectors, including economic and cultural domains. The recent formation of a new government in Mauritius led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam necessitates reaffirming these relationships, particularly given the geopolitical significance of the region, especially concerning the ongoing discussions about the Chagos Islands. India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision emphasizes its commitment to the development of the entire Indian Ocean region, indicating its intent to maintain strong ties with Mauritius, which is seen as a vital partner in advancing their mutual interests.
In conclusion, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s upcoming visit to Mauritius represents a critical juncture in India-Mauritius relations following a significant political transition in the latter. The discussions surrounding the Chagos Islands are particularly pertinent, with potential implications for both nations. This engagement underscores India’s ongoing commitment to support Mauritius in its quest for sovereignty and reinforces the importance of their bilateral cooperation in regional security and development matters.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
