India Reaffirms Support for Mauritius Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit on Chagos Talks
Ahead of his upcoming visit to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s support for the island nation in securing a favorable agreement with the UK regarding the Chagos Islands. The discussions between Modi and Mauritian PM Ramgoolam are expected to address this negotiation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that Mauritius and the UK appear to be nearing an agreement after the UK announced its intent to transfer sovereignty over Chagos to Mauritius.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his visit to Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025, India has reiterated its commitment to supporting Mauritius in the ongoing negotiations with the United Kingdom concerning the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean. The discussions between PM Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam are expected to address this critical issue.
During a recent media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri suggested that a mutually agreeable framework may have been established between Mauritius and the UK regarding the Chagos matter. This follows the UK’s significant announcement last October, indicating its intention to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending over fifty years of administration by the UK under a historical agreement.
Although the agreement was originally finalized by former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, which included a 99-year lease for the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, the current government under Prime Minister Ramgoolam has expressed a desire to renegotiate certain terms. Misri emphasized India’s support for Mauritius’s claims, stating, “We have supported Mauritius in its stance on its sovereignty over Chagos. This aligns with our longstanding position regarding decolonization and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.”
Further, Misri acknowledged that the new Mauritian administration is reconsidering certain provisions of the initial agreement with the UK. He expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions, highlighting that Mauritius and the UK have engaged intensively and may have reached a mutually satisfactory arrangement regarding Chagos.
In summary, India’s reaffirmation of support for Mauritius underscores its ongoing diplomatic relationship as Prime Minister Modi prepares for his visit. The discussions surrounding the Chagos Islands signify a crucial point in negotiations with the UK, with potential implications for regional stability and sovereignty. The positive engagement between Mauritius and the UK, alongside India’s consistent support, reflects a dynamic landscape in international relations concerning territorial rights.
Original Source: swarajyamag.com
