India Affirms Support for Mauritius Regarding Chagos Islands Sovereignty
India supports Mauritius in its sovereignty claims over the Chagos Islands ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s visit. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri suggested that negotiations with the UK may have led to a potential agreement. The issue of Chagos is set to be discussed between PM Modi and Mauritian leaders during the visit.
India officially expressed its support for Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit on March 11 and 12. This support underscores India’s commitment to a mutually beneficial agreement between Mauritius and the United Kingdom concerning sovereignty over the islands situated in the Indian Ocean.
During a recent media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri suggested that Mauritius and the UK may have reached a preliminary agreement related to Chagos. Last October, the UK announced its intention to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius following a historic agreement established over fifty years.
The arrangement, initiated under the previous Mauritian Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, allows the UK to retain a 99-year lease on its military base located on Diego Garcia, the largest island. However, the current Mauritian government, led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, has called for renewed negotiations with the UK to reconsider the existing provisions of the deal.
Misri articulated India’s position by stating, “We have supported Mauritius in its stance on its sovereignty over Chagos, and this is… our long-standing position regarding decolonisation and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries.” He concluded that ongoing discussions between Mauritius and the UK indicate progress toward a mutually acceptable resolution.
In conclusion, India reaffirms its support for Mauritius in its quest for sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. As negotiations continue between Mauritius and the UK, India remains committed to the principles of decolonisation and sovereignty for nations. This matter will likely be a focal point during PM Modi’s discussions with Mauritian leaders.
India’s endorsement of Mauritius’ claims over the Chagos Islands signifies its commitment to international principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ongoing negotiations between Mauritius and the UK indicate potential progress, as both nations strive towards a consensus on this long-standing territorial issue. Prime Minister Modi’s visit is poised to strengthen bilateral relations and focus on the sovereignty discussions.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
