India has affirmed its support for Mauritius in the Chagos Islands issue, with discussions anticipated during Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit. The UK has previously agreed to transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius, though recent calls from the new Mauritian government suggest a reopening of negotiations over the terms. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized India’s commitment to the sovereignty of Mauritius.
India has expressed its support for Mauritius concerning the Chagos Islands issue, just prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the island nation on March 11 and 12. At a recent media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri indicated that agreements may be in progress between Mauritius and the United Kingdom regarding Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean.
In October of the previous year, the UK committed to transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after decades of territorial dispute. Although the agreement, made under the former Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, includes the UK retaining a 99-year lease on the Diego Garcia military base, the newly elected government under Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam has called for a reassessment of this deal.
Vikram Misri reiterated India’s long-standing position on the matter, stating, “We have supported Mauritius in its stance on its sovereignty over Chagos, and this is obviously in keeping with our long-standing position with regard to decolonisation and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries.” He noted that discussions continue between Mauritius and the UK regarding Chagos, and that progress may have been made toward a mutually acceptable agreement.
In conclusion, India’s support for Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands underscores the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity in international relations. As indicated by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the ongoing negotiations between Mauritius and the UK may lead to a resolution, reflecting a collaborative approach to this historical issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius is expected to further foster dialogue and cooperation in this regard.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
