India’s Foreign Secretary to Strengthen Ties with Mauritius Amid Sovereignty Talks
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22 to enhance bilateral relations following the recent formation of a new government by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. The visit highlights India’s commitment to cooperative ties with Mauritius and coincides with ongoing negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands’ sovereignty.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations following the recent establishment of a new government under Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit underscores India’s commitment to its partnerships within the framework of the SAGAR vision, the “Africa Forward” policy, and its dedication to the Global South, as emphasized by the external affairs ministry.
The upcoming meeting marks the first significant diplomatic engagement between India and Mauritius since the new administration assumed office last month. Historical ties and multi-sectoral cooperation between the two nations will be focal points of discussion. Furthermore, the visit coincides with Mauritius’s ongoing negotiations with the United Kingdom regarding sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, in which Prime Minister Ramgoolam has proposed counterproposals to a recent UK deal that extends British control over Diego Garcia.
Ramgoolam has expressed that current negotiations with the UK concerning the Chagos Islands need reevaluation, stating that the existing deal would not yield expected benefits for Mauritius. In the wake of Britain’s October announcement affirming its intention to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago, India has consistently supported Mauritius’s claims in line with its principles on decolonization and territorial integrity.
The relationship between India and Mauritius is steeped in shared historical ties and collaborative efforts across various sectors, including trade and security. Recently, Mauritius has entered a new political phase with the formation of a government led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This change occurs amidst critical negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands, which have been a contested issue between Mauritius and the United Kingdom. The geopolitical significance of Diego Garcia, a military base within the archipelago, adds complexity to these discussions, given its strategic importance to both the UK and the United States.
In summary, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Mauritius represents a key diplomatic effort to fortify the historical partnership following the establishment of a new government. The visit highlights India’s ongoing support for Mauritius in its quest for sovereignty over the Chagos Islands while advancing bilateral ties under the SAGAR initiative. Both nations stand to benefit from this exchange as negotiations with the UK continue to evolve.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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