Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the UK’s announcement to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This decision concludes a significant chapter in decolonization efforts for Mauritius, while allowing the UK to retain its military base on Diego Garcia. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Jugnauth on this historic agreement.
Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth expressed his gratitude towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the United Kingdom’s announcement regarding the Chagos Islands. The UK has agreed to transfer sovereignty over this remote archipelago, facilitating the completion of Mauritius’ decolonization efforts. Prime Minister Jugnauth publicly acknowledged the support received from the African Union and other nations in this significant endeavor. This historic agreement also allows the UK to maintain its military base on Diego Garcia, which is part of the islands in question.
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), encompassing approximately 60 islands, has been a contentious issue for many years. Discussions surrounding the territory’s future commenced during the previous Conservative government in 2022. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer personally conveyed his congratulations to Prime Minister Jugnauth over the phone, highlighting the political resolution achieved through two years of negotiations between the UK and Mauritius regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago.
The Chagos Islands have been at the center of a long-standing territorial dispute between the UK and Mauritius. The islands were originally part of Mauritius until their separation in the 1960s, leading to the establishment of a strategic military base on Diego Garcia. The decolonization efforts by Mauritius have been supported by the African Union and various other nations, emphasizing the importance of international solidarity in resolving historical injustices. The recent announcement from the UK marks a pivotal moment in the decolonization process, reflecting evolving diplomatic relations in the region.
In summary, the announcement of the transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius signifies a monumental achievement in the latter’s ongoing decolonization efforts. Prime Minister Jugnauth’s acknowledgment of international support, particularly from India, underscores the collaborative nature of this political resolution. The continued presence of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, however, highlights the complexity surrounding territorial rights and military strategy in the Indian Ocean region.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
