Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth thanked Indian PM Narendra Modi after the UK announced plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The agreement, confirmed on Thursday, allows for Mauritius to regain control over the islands while the UK retains a military base there, following two years of negotiations.
On Friday, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth expressed his gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a significant announcement from the United Kingdom. The UK government revealed plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, a remote archipelago in the Indian Ocean, to Mauritius. This news, marking an important step in Mauritius’s decolonization efforts, was celebrated by Jugnauth, who took to social media platform X to extend his thanks to Modi, the African Union, and other supportive nations.
The UK’s decision, announced on Thursday, establishes a historic agreement allowing Mauritius to regain control over the Chagos Islands while the UK will retain a military base on Diego Garcia, located within the archipelago. The British Indian Ocean Territory status of this disputed region has been a contentious topic for many years, with negotiations regarding its future initiated under the previous Conservative government in 2022.
Subsequent to the announcement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Jugnauth to acknowledge the political agreement reached between the UK and Mauritius regarding sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. This development comes after two years of sustained negotiations, culminating in a long-awaited resolution to the territorial dispute.
The Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, have been a subject of dispute between Mauritius and the United Kingdom since the islands were forcibly depopulated by the British government in the 1960s to establish a military base. Following Mauritius gaining independence in 1968, the sovereignty over the islands remained unresolved, sparking significant legal and diplomatic discussions over the years. The recent agreement represents a pivotal moment in Mauritius’s decolonization efforts, reflecting wider trends in international relations and self-determination.
In summary, the recent announcement by the United Kingdom to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius represents a critical advancement in the latter’s decolonization journey. Prime Minister Jugnauth’s acknowledgment of international support underscores the significance of global partnerships in achieving sovereign rights. The British government’s commitment to maintaining a military presence indicates continued strategic interests in the region, balancing sovereignty with security concerns.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
