Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Mauritius from December 20-22 to strengthen bilateral relations following the new government’s formation. The visit highlights India’s commitment to Mauritius under its SAGAR vision. It coincides with ongoing negotiations concerning the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands between Mauritius and the UK, where Mauritius is proposing counterproposals to better align the historic deal with the nation’s interests.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22 to bolster bilateral relations subsequent to the recent establishment of a new government there, led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with Mauritius within the framework of its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and its Africa Forward policy, as articulated by India’s external affairs ministry.
This will be the inaugural high-level engagement since the formation of the new Mauritian government in November. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the historic ties between the two nations, highlighting the extent of cooperation across various sectors. Furthermore, the visit provides an opportunity to advance India and Mauritius’s longstanding relationship.
Accompanying the visit is the ongoing dialogue between Mauritius and the United Kingdom regarding the Chagos Islands. Prime Minister Ramgoolam has proposed counterproposals in response to the UK’s conditions regarding ceding sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago. This historic deal proposes that the UK would transfer control to Mauritius while maintaining military presence on Diego Garcia, which is deemed essential for geopolitical operations.
The anticipated visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri aligns with India’s broader regional strategy, emphasizing the importance of strong ties with Mauritius, particularly following political changes in the African nation. The relationship between India and Mauritius is deep-rooted, encompassing various sectors ranging from economic cooperation to cultural exchange. The context of this visit is further shaped by ongoing discussions about the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, a significant geopolitical issue involving the UK, Mauritius, and India.
In conclusion, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s forthcoming visit to Mauritius exemplifies India’s strategic commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. Amidst the backdrop of significant political transitions in Mauritius, this engagement represents an opportunity to reaffirm historical ties and address critical territorial discussions regarding the Chagos Islands. India’s support for Mauritius’s sovereignty in these matters illustrates its principled stand on regional decolonization and international diplomacy.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
