India has expressed its support for Mauritius in ongoing Chagos Islands negotiations with the UK, ahead of PM Modi’s visit. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reported a potential mutually acceptable agreement may be near. The UK previously announced plans to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while retaining military lease rights, but the new Mauritian government seeks to renegotiate deal terms.
In anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius, India reiterated its support for Mauritius in negotiating an agreement with the United Kingdom concerning the Chagos Islands. This topic is expected to be part of discussions between PM Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam during his two-day visit from March 11 to March 12, 2025.
During a press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that Mauritius and the UK may have reached a mutually agreeable solution regarding the status of Chagos. Last October, the UK made a significant announcement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after over fifty years, as per a historic agreement reached under former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. The negotiation allows the UK to retain a 99-year lease on the military airbase located on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the chain.
The new Mauritian administration under Prime Minister Ramgoolam is advocating for renegotiation of the deal’s terms, requesting renewed discussions with the UK concerning Chagos. “We have supported Mauritius in its stance on its sovereignty over Chagos,” indicated Misri, affirming India’s commitment to decolonization and the preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of its partners, such as Mauritius.
Misri also acknowledged that the new Mauritius government has reconsidered certain aspects of the Chagos agreement. He stated, “it is something that is continued to be discussed between Mauritius and the UK, and we understand that they have engaged with each other quite intensively and have also perhaps arrived at a mutually acceptable deal about the subject.”
In conclusion, India’s reaffirmation of support for Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands signifies its commitment to international sovereignty and collaboration. The anticipated dialogue between Prime Minister Modi and Mauritian leadership aims to facilitate further negotiations with the UK, focusing on the sovereignty and future governance of the Chagos Islands. This evolving alliance underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in the region.
Original Source: swarajyamag.com
