Indian Foreign Secretary’s Visit to Mauritius: Strengthening Ties…

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Mauritius from December 20-22 to strengthen bilateral relations after the new government led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam was formed. This visit signifies India’s commitment to its SAGAR vision and ongoing support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Islands amid current UK negotiations.

Vikram Misri, the Foreign Secretary of India, is scheduled to visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22 in a bid to enhance bilateral relations following the recent formation of a new government in Mauritius under Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit underscores India’s commitment to its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, its “Africa Forward” policy, and its dedication to the Global South, as highlighted by the external affairs ministry.

The upcoming trip marks the first significant diplomatic engagement between India and Mauritius since Ramgoolam’s administration took office last month. With a rich historical background, India and Mauritius enjoy deep-rooted ties characterized by extensive cooperation across various sectors. This visit is seen as a vital moment to advance the collaborative efforts between the two nations.

Additionally, Ramgoolam’s recent submission of counterproposals to the UK concerning the strategic Chagos Islands adds another dimension to the visit. These discussions are pivotal, as the UK had earlier announced intentions to relinquish sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius, contingent on retaining strategic military operations on Diego Garcia.

The Diego Garcia facility, crucial for military operations in the West and South Asia regions, hosts approximately 2,500 US personnel. India has expressed its support for Mauritius regarding the sovereignty claims over the Chagos Islands, consistent with its stance on decolonization and international law that respects national integrity. The political agreement related to the Chagos Islands remains contingent upon the successful finalization of a treaty and associated legal frameworks.

The relationship between India and Mauritius has historically been strong, grounded in cultural and historical ties. This mutual respect and understanding have facilitated extensive collaboration across various sectors, including trade, defense, and infrastructure. The recent political developments in Mauritius, particularly with the election of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, present new opportunities for enhancing bilateral relations. Furthermore, ongoing negotiations concerning the Chagos Islands reflect broader geopolitical interests between India, Mauritius, the UK, and the US, with significant implications for regional stability and international relations.

In summary, the visit by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Mauritius represents a pivotal effort to strengthen bilateral ties following the establishment of a new government. This engagement not only highlights India’s dedication to its policies promoting collaboration with the Global South but also coincides with critical discussions regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to significantly affect regional dynamics and affirm the longstanding partnership between India and Mauritius.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com