Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri To Visit Mauritius to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Mauritius from December 20-22, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations following the new government’s formation. The visit is significant due to India’s SAGAR vision and support for Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Islands amidst UK negotiations. This marks a new chapter in India-Mauritius relations, emphasizing historical ties and cooperation.
The visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Mauritius from December 20 to 22 is a significant event, reflecting India’s priority in fostering bilateral relations following the establishment of a new government led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This engagement underscores India’s commitment to its SAGAR vision—focusing on security and growth for all in the region—as well as its “Africa Forward” policy and dedication to the Global South. Both nations share a rich history and aim to enhance cooperation across numerous sectors, indicating the importance of this diplomatic dialogue.
This visit also arrives at a crucial moment, as Ramgoolam recently re-engaged in negotiations with the UK concerning the Chagos Islands. The UK has proposed ceding sovereignty to Mauritius but has attached conditions that would maintain British and American military presence on Diego Garcia, a significant strategic base. Ramgoolam’s government has submitted counterproposals, asserting that the initial offer would not fulfill the expectations of the Mauritian nation. Moreover, India has consistently supported Mauritius’s territorial claims over the Chagos Islands and has welcomed the UK’s decision to initiate a resolution to the long-standing dispute.
The backdrop of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Mauritius is rooted in the historical and strategic ties that link India and Mauritius, including a shared commitment to mutual cooperation across various sectors. This visit occurs shortly after the formation of a new government in Mauritius, which highlights a fresh diplomatic landscape. Furthermore, the ongoing discussions regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands illustrate the complex geopolitical interests at play, emphasizing the importance of regional stability and India’s role in supporting Mauritius’s territorial integrity in this context.
In summary, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s upcoming visit to Mauritius is a pivotal engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations amid significant political changes in the African nation. This visit not only reaffirms India’s strategic priorities under its SAGAR vision but also engages with pressing diplomatic issues related to the Chagos Islands. By continuing to support Mauritius’s claims, India underscores its commitment to regional cooperation and the sovereignty of nations in the Global South.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
