Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22 to strengthen bilateral relations after the recent formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Ramgoolam. This visit aligns with India’s SAGAR initiative and focuses on Mauritius’s ongoing negotiations with the UK regarding sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. Misri’s visit serves as the first high-level interaction post-government transition and aims to advance cooperation between the two nations.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22, marking a significant step in enhancing bilateral relations following the recent formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit underscores India’s commitment to its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative and its “Africa Forward” policy, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with Mauritius within the framework of the Global South. This engagement represents the first high-level dialogue between the two nations post the establishment of Ramgoolam’s administration in November, reflecting a long-standing historical connection that encompasses diverse areas of cooperation.
In addition to fostering bilateral ties, the visit is timely as Ramgoolam has indicated he submitted counterproposals to the UK regarding the controversial deal for the Chagos Islands. Britain’s October announcement to return sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius included a provision for maintaining UK and US military control over Diego Garcia for an extended period. Ramgoolam criticized the current terms, expressing a desire for an agreement that would better serve the national interests of Mauritius. He stated, “the deal in its current form would not produce the benefits that the nation could expect from such an agreement.”
India has welcomed the UK’s willingness to transfer sovereignty, steadfastly supporting Mauritius’s claim over the Chagos Islands while advocating for decolonization and territorial integrity. The ongoing discussions surrounding the Diego Garcia military base, crucial for US operations in the region, further complicate the situation, as India maintains a principled stance in harmony with Mauritius’s long-held territorial claims. The political agreement concerning the Chagos Islands remains contingent upon the finalization of a treaty and associated legal instruments, amplifying the relevance of Foreign Secretary Misri’s forthcoming visit to Mauritius.
The relationship between India and Mauritius has historically been robust, founded on shared cultural and historical connections. India views Mauritius as a critical partner in its strategic initiatives within the African continent and has demonstrated a persistent commitment to supporting Mauritius’s territorial integrity, particularly regarding the long-standing dispute over the Chagos Islands. This backdrop sets the stage for the upcoming visit of the Indian Foreign Secretary, which aims to fortify bilateral relations amid ongoing negotiations with the UK regarding Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago.
The planned visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Mauritius represents a pivotal opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties following the establishment of a new government. Amidst ongoing negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands, India’s engagement reflects its dedication to the principles of decolonization and its support for Mauritian sovereignty. As both nations seek to navigate geopolitical complexities, this visit underscores the enduring relationship between India and Mauritius and the importance of collaborative progress in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
