India’s Foreign Secretary to Strengthen Ties During Upcoming Mauritius Visit
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22 to strengthen bilateral relations following the formation of a new government. This visit highlights India’s commitment to its SAGAR vision and cooperation with African nations, while also addressing ongoing negotiations regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.
Vikram Misri, the Foreign Secretary of India, is scheduled to visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22 with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations in light of the recent formation of a new government under Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit underscores India’s commitment to its SAGAR vision—Security and Growth for All in the Region—and reflects the nation’s broader “Africa Forward” policy as well as its dedication to the Global South. It also represents the first significant diplomatic engagement between the two countries since Ramgoolam’s government took office in November.
Historical ties deeply rooted in shared experiences and mutual cooperation across various sectors provide context for this diplomatic mission. The visit is expected to offer substantial opportunities to enhance bilateral relations further. A notable backdrop to this engagement is Ramgoolam’s recent negotiations with the UK regarding the sovereignty of the strategically important Chagos Islands. He has submitted counterproposals to the UK after a recent agreement suggested that the UK would cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands contingent upon maintaining a British and US military presence on Diego Garcia for at least 99 years.
The Diego Garcia military base plays a critical role in operations across West and South Asia as well as East Africa, housing approximately 2,500 US military personnel. India has shown support for Mauritius’s claim over the Chagos Islands and welcomed the UK’s decision to transfer sovereignty in the interest of resolving the protracted territorial dispute, aligning with its principles on decolonization and respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The political arrangement regarding the Chagos Islands remains subject to the finalization of a treaty and supporting legal documents.
The article focuses on the upcoming visit of India’s Foreign Secretary to Mauritius, highlighting the significance of this diplomatic mission following the establishment of a new government in Mauritius. It elaborates on the historical relationship between India and Mauritius, the ongoing negotiations concerning the Chagos Islands, and the broader context of India’s foreign policy initiatives that emphasize cooperation and support for the Global South and African nations.
The forthcoming visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Mauritius signifies India’s proactive approach to strengthening bilateral relations with the newly formed government led by Prime Minister Ramgoolam. It reflects India’s long-standing commitment to cooperation in line with its SAGAR vision and the broader context of its foreign policy aimed at supporting sovereign nations. The ongoing discussions concerning the Chagos Islands further underscore the importance of diplomatic negotiations in addressing historical grievances and fostering regional stability.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
