Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Mauritius from December 20-22 to strengthen bilateral relations after the new government led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam took office. The visit emphasizes India’s commitment to its SAGAR vision and legacy ties with Mauritius. Key topics will include discussions on the Chagos Islands, with ongoing negotiations regarding sovereignty and military control at Diego Garcia.
Vikram Misri, the Foreign Secretary of India, is set to visit Mauritius from December 20-22 to strengthen bilateral relations following the establishment of a new government led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit underscores India’s commitment to enhancing diplomatic ties with Mauritius as part of its SAGAR vision and the “Africa Forward” policy. The meeting will be the first high-level engagement since the recent governmental shift in Mauritius, emphasizing the historical connections and cooperation shared between the two nations.
The agenda will also encompass discussions on the ongoing negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands, with Ramgoolam having submitted counterproposals to the United Kingdom for a deal concerning the transfer of sovereignty. While Britain has indicated a willingness to cede control of the Chagos archipelago, the conditions surrounding the strategic military base at Diego Garcia remain contentious. India has historically supported Mauritius on this issue, reaffirming its principles on decolonization and territorial integrity.
The diplomatic relationship between India and Mauritius has deep historical roots, characterized by entrenched social, cultural, and economic ties. In recent years, India has increasingly recognized Mauritius as a crucial partner in its aspirations to expand influence in Africa through the SAGAR initiative, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region. The backdrop of Ramgoolam’s administration reopening negotiations with the UK regarding the Chagos Islands further contextualizes this visit, as it highlights the broader geopolitical dynamics involved. The Chagos Islands dispute, notably surrounding Diego Garcia, has implications beyond bilateral relations, impacting regional security and India’s strategic interests, particularly concerning its stance on decolonization. Thus, the agendas during Misri’s visit will likely reflect these multifaceted concerns and aspirations from both nations.
The upcoming visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Mauritius symbolizes India’s unwavering commitment to diplomatic relations with the island nation while marking a significant step in the aftermath of Mauritius’s recent government formation. This engagement will also serve to address ongoing issues related to the Chagos Islands, showcasing India’s supportive role in Mauritius’s pursuit of territorial integrity. Therefore, this meeting is poised to solidify the longstanding bonds between India and Mauritius while addressing modern challenges with a collaborative spirit.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
