India has voiced its support for Mauritius in negotiations with the UK over the Chagos Islands’ sovereignty. Prime Minister Modi will address this issue during his visit to Mauritius. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the importance of supporting Mauritius and acknowledged ongoing discussions that may lead to a mutually acceptable agreement.
India has expressed its support for Mauritius regarding the negotiations with the United Kingdom about the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean. This topic is expected to be a key point of discussion during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Mauritius on March 11 and 12. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized India’s stance at a media briefing, reinforcing the nation’s historical position in favor of decolonization and sovereignty.
The UK announced in October that it would transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius under a historical agreement. This decision followed negotiations with former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, allowing the UK to retain a 99-year lease on the military base at Diego Garcia. However, the current Mauritian government, led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, has requested to revisit the terms of this arrangement.
Misri reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius’s claims, stating, “We’ve supported Mauritius in its stance on its sovereignty over Chagos, and this is obviously in keeping with our long-standing position concerning decolonisation and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries.” He acknowledged ongoing discussions between the UK and Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands, indicating that a mutually acceptable agreement might be within reach.
In conclusion, India’s reinforcement of support for Mauritius concerning the Chagos Islands underscores its commitment to international sovereignty and decolonization. The upcoming discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Mauritian officials may facilitate further progress on this important matter. With ongoing negotiations between Mauritius and the UK, an amicable resolution appears plausible.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
