Indian Foreign Secretary to Visit Mauritius Amid Strategic Discussions

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Mauritius from December 20-22, 2023, following the formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Ramgoolam. The visit underscores India’s longstanding ties with Mauritius, coinciding with ongoing negotiations regarding the strategic Chagos Islands, which Britain has agreed to cede, under specific conditions.

The Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri, is scheduled to visit Mauritius from December 20 to 22, 2023. This visit follows the recent formation of a new government in Mauritius, led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. It demonstrates India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties based on longstanding historical relations and ongoing cooperative efforts across various sectors. The visit is particularly significant as it marks the first high-level engagement between India and Mauritius since the new government took office.

Moreover, this visit comes at a pivotal time regarding the strategic Chagos Islands issue. The Prime Minister has proposed counterproposals to the United Kingdom concerning the ceding of control over these islands to Mauritius. Recently, Britain indicated it would grant sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, conditional upon maintaining military bases including the strategic base on Diego Garcia, pivotal for U.S. military operations in the region.

India has consistently supported Mauritius’s claim to the Chagos Islands, aligning with its stance on decolonization and the respect for national sovereignty. The upcoming discussions between the Indian Foreign Secretary and Mauritian leadership will likely further such affirmations within the context of their bilateral relations and the broader implications for the Global South.

The relationship between India and Mauritius is historically significant, rooted in shared cultural and economic ties. The SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision underscores India’s strategic intent in the Indian Ocean, promoting a cooperative framework with African nations. The climax of this relationship occurred with the recent political transition in Mauritius, leading to renewed discussions on critical issues such as the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which has been a contentious matter involving the UK and Mauritius for decades.

In summary, the upcoming visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Mauritius signifies India’s dedication to nurturing ties with its African partners in light of the recent government formation under Prime Minister Ramgoolam. As discussions on the Chagos Islands intensify, this engagement not only aims to solidify bilateral relations but also aligns with India’s broader strategic objectives in the region, emphasizing cooperation and support for sovereignty.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com