Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Mauritius from December 20-22 to enhance bilateral relations following the new government’s formation. This visit aligns with India’s SAGAR vision and its commitment to Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands, a contested territory with historical implications. Prime Minister Ramgoolam is pursuing revised negotiations with the UK on this matter, reflecting a strategic diplomatic engagement.
Vikram Misri, India’s Foreign Secretary, is scheduled to visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22, following the formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit underscores India’s strategic emphasis on its relationship with Mauritius as part of its SAGAR vision, which emphasizes security and growth in the region, along with its commitment to global partnerships. Furthermore, this marks the inaugural high-level engagement post the election of the new government in Mauritius, reflecting the deep historical ties and multi-sectoral cooperation shared between the two nations.
During this diplomatic visit, discussions are anticipated to encompass advancing bilateral relations. Notably, Prime Minister Ramgoolam has initiated negotiations regarding a significant deal with the United Kingdom concerning the contested Chagos Islands. The UK has indicated readiness to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius but under terms that include British and American military interests remaining intact for a substantial period. Ramgoolam’s government is actively pursuing a more favorable agreement, stating that the existing proposals do not adequately meet national expectations.
This visit comes amidst a broader context where India has voiced its support for Mauritius’s claim over the Chagos Islands in line with its stance on decolonization and respecting the sovereignty of nations. The upcoming discussions aim not only to strengthen bilateral ties post-elections but also to reaffirm India’s position in the geopolitical dynamics surrounding Mauritius.
The visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Mauritius is emblematic of India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening bilateral relations under its SAGAR initiative, which promotes regional security and economic growth. The new government in Mauritius, under Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, has reopened talks with the UK regarding the strategic Chagos Islands, which have been a point of contention due to historical colonial issues. India’s support for Mauritius in this matter is consistent with its broader foreign policy aimed at supporting decolonization and respecting nations’ territorial integrity.
In conclusion, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s forthcoming visit to Mauritius represents a crucial opportunity to bolster bilateral relations following the recent formation of a new government. The discussions surrounding the Chagos Islands will be particularly significant, given their historical context and strategic importance. India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius underscores its broader principles regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity in international relations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
