Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Mauritius from December 20-22, 2023, to enhance diplomatic ties following the recent formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This meeting reflects India’s commitment to strengthen relations under its SAGAR vision amid ongoing negotiations regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands between Mauritius and the UK.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22, 2023, to enhance bilateral relations following the establishment of a new government led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit is indicative of India’s strategic interest, particularly under its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and its policy of ‘Africa Forward.’ It will be the first significant diplomatic engagement since the government transition in Mauritius last month. The visit underscores the historical ties between India and Mauritius, which encompass diverse sectors of cooperation.
In the backdrop of this visit, Prime Minister Ramgoolam has initiated counterproposals to the United Kingdom regarding the longstanding negotiations on the Chagos Islands. The UK previously indicated it would relinquish sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, contingent on the preservation of military operations at the Diego Garcia base. Prime Minister Ramgoolam expressed concerns about the benefits of the proposed agreement, engaging the UK in renewed discussions on the matter. The Diego Garcia base, which accommodates approximately 2,500 US military personnel, is strategically significant for military operations across West and South Asia as well as East Africa.
India has welcomed Britain’s decision to return sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, aligning with its consistent support for Mauritius’s claims in accordance with principles of decolonization and respect for national sovereignty. The resolution regarding the Chagos Islands is contingent upon the finalization of a treaty and supporting legal instruments. The upcoming visit by Foreign Secretary Misri promises to further bolster India-Mauritius relations, emphasizing shared histories and mutual objectives.
The forthcoming visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Mauritius represents a significant step in enhancing India-Mauritius ties, which are historically robust and encompass multiple areas of cooperation. The context of this visit is heightened by Mauritius’s recent governmental shift under Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who has made proposals regarding the Chagos Islands’ sovereignty—a matter of both political sensitivity and strategic importance. India’s engagement in this region demonstrates its commitment to fostering strong relations within the framework of its broader regional policies, especially in relation to its African initiatives and support for the Global South.
In summary, the planned visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Mauritius highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral relations with the newly formed government. It coincides with vital discussions over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, a subject of historical dispute that impacts regional security dynamics. India’s ongoing support for Mauritius illustrates a principled stance on sovereignty issues and seeks to promote cooperative frameworks for mutual benefit in the region. This visit could pave the way for strengthened ties and enhanced cooperative measures in crucial sectors.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
