Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting the country’s decolonization following the UK’s announcement to return sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. This historic agreement allows Mauritius to gain control while the UK retains a military base on Diego Garcia, highlighting significant diplomatic progress.
On Friday, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth expressed gratitude towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support in the decolonization process, following the announcement from the UK government regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. Prime Minister Jugnauth conveyed his appreciation through a post on X, thanking not only Prime Minister Modi but also the African Union and other allied nations that stood by Mauritius in this significant endeavor.
This historic agreement, disclosed by the UK on Thursday, entails the transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while the UK will retain control over a joint military base on Diego Garcia. The status of the British Indian Ocean Territory, which comprises approximately 60 islands including Diego Garcia, has been the subject of lengthy disputes and negotiations, initiated under the previous Conservative government in 2022.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reached out to Prime Minister Jugnauth shortly after the announcement, recognizing the political agreement achieved after two years of discussions between the UK and Mauritius regarding the future authority over the Chagos Archipelago.
The Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, has been a point of contention between the UK and Mauritius since the 1960s when Chagossians were forcibly removed from the islands to establish a military base. The ongoing disputes have involved numerous legal battles and negotiations over the rightful sovereignty of the islands. This recent agreement marks a significant step in Mauritius’s long struggle for decolonization and the restoration of its territorial rights, reflecting the changing geopolitical landscape surrounding the territory.
In conclusion, this development signifies an important milestone in Mauritius’s quest for sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. The collaboration between Mauritius and India for support, along with the diplomatic negotiations with the UK, has culminated in an agreement that not only respects Mauritius’s sovereignty but also acknowledges historical injustices. Continued international cooperation will be crucial in ensuring the effective resolution of remaining issues related to the Chagos Islands.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
