Mauritius Pursues Revised Chagos Agreement with UK to Strengthen Regional Cooperation

Mauritius is negotiating a new Chagos deal with the UK to restore sovereignty over the disputed archipelago, benefiting stakeholders including India and the US. Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful emphasized the importance of reaching a conclusive agreement that ensures regional stability and security. Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming talks with Mauritian leadership are anticipated to address this issue, alongside broader maritime security cooperation.

Negotiations between Mauritius and the United Kingdom regarding the disputed Chagos Archipelago are underway. The newly elected government of Mauritius is advocating for a reassessment of the terms of the deal intended to restore the nation’s sovereignty over the islands. The discussions emphasize the importance of a resolution that benefits all stakeholders, including India and the United States.

Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful stated, “It is in the interest of both India, Mauritius, and also the UK and the US, for us to reach a deal on Chagos once for all.” This statement underscores the mutual benefits that could arise from a conclusive agreement, which aims to bring stability and security to the region.

The discussions come in the context of a government change following Mauritius’ general elections held in November 2024. Minister Ramful remarked on the historical struggle for sovereignty over Chagos, expressing optimism about the UK’s willingness to negotiate. He indicated that the new administration is prepared to reevaluate the previous deal, with ongoing negotiations focused on enhancing security in the Indian Ocean, particularly near the Diego Garcia military base.

The Chagos Archipelago has been a contentious issue since its separation from Mauritius in the 1960s, following which the UK leased Diego Garcia to the United States. Support for a new deal was recently expressed by US President Donald Trump, highlighting its significance. Ramful acknowledged India’s supportive role throughout this struggle for sovereignty, stating, “India has always been side by side with Mauritius in reaching a deal.”

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet with Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam on March 12, the Chagos issue is expected to be a key topic. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted, “The Chagos issue will be resolved between the concerned parties,” emphasizing India’s continual support for Mauritius in its negotiations.

In addition to the Chagos discussions, the Foreign Minister highlighted the necessity of securing the Indian Ocean trade routes for economic survival. Ramful also addressed inquiries regarding China, stating, “There is no Chinese naval base in and around Mauritius,” and emphasized the country’s focus on economic rather than military concerns.

An upcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Mauritius and India will facilitate the sharing of maritime security information, with plans for joint surveillance exercises. Ramful reinforced that political commitment is essential from both nations to ensure successful collaboration in security initiatives within the region.

In conclusion, Mauritius is actively seeking a renewed agreement with the United Kingdom concerning the Chagos Archipelago, emphasizing the need for a collaborative resolution that serves all involved parties, particularly India and the USA. With recent governmental changes, renewed negotiations aim to restore sovereignty and bolster security in the Indian Ocean. The forthcoming discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Ramgoolam are indicative of the significance of this topic in broader bilateral relations.

Original Source: news.abplive.com