India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Mauritius from December 20-22, 2023, to strengthen bilateral relations after the election of a new government led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit will address cooperation under India’s SAGAR vision and the ongoing negotiations over the Chagos Islands, which have significant geopolitical implications. Ramgoolam’s counterproposals to the UK demonstrate a proactive approach to ensuring beneficial terms for Mauritius in its territorial claims.
Vikram Misri, India’s Foreign Secretary, is set to visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22, 2023, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations following the recent establishment of a new government under Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit underscores India’s commitment to enhancing ties with Mauritius, emphasizing the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, as well as its “Africa Forward” policy aimed at fostering cooperation within the Global South.
The visit is the first high-level engagement following the governmental transition in Mauritius last month and symbolizes the long-standing historical ties and current collaborative ventures between the two nations. The Indian External Affairs Ministry stated, “The visit will be an opportunity to further advance our bilateral ties with Mauritius.”
Significantly, this trip arrives amid ongoing discussions regarding the strategic Chagos Islands, with Prime Minister Ramgoolam reportedly submitting counterproposals to the UK regarding a historic deal intended to yield improved governance over these islands. The UK had previously indicated its willingness to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius, contingent upon continued UK and US control over the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base.
The proposed agreement has faced scrutiny, with Ramgoolam recently stating, “The deal in its current form would not produce the benefits that the nation could expect from such an agreement.” He remains open to concluding a beneficial treaty with the UK. India has embraced the UK’s decision to relinquish control over the Chagos Islands, maintaining its principled stance on supporting Mauritius’s claim as part of a larger commitment to decolonization and national sovereignty.
The upcoming visit by India’s Foreign Secretary is a pivotal moment in India-Mauritius relations, reflecting the strategic importance that India places on its partnership with Mauritius under the frameworks outlined by its SAGAR vision and the “Africa Forward” policy. These initiatives are parts of India’s broader foreign policy objectives aimed at promoting cooperation with African nations and affirming their solidarity within the Global South. Additionally, the discussions surrounding the Chagos Islands add a layer of complexity and importance to bilateral ties, as this territorial dispute is intertwined with regional security and international relations.
In summary, Vikram Misri’s visit to Mauritius signifies India’s dedication to reinforcing its diplomatic relationship with the new government, highlighting the historical and cooperative ties shared between the nations. With a focus on the strategic implications of the Chagos Islands negotiations, this visit is poised to enhance mutual interests and further bolster India-Mauritius relations in line with both countries’ diplomatic goals.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
