India reasserted its unequivocal support for Mauritius in its quest to resume sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, reiterating its principled position on decolonization and territorial integrity. This is said ahead of the forthcoming State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mauritius on March 11-12.
We have remained committed to Mauritius's sovereignty over Chagos, as per our long-standing decolonization and territorial integrity stance. Naturally, it is our duty to articulate this support for close friends like Mauritius," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in New Delhi stated.
India had earlier received favorably the understanding in October 2024 between the United Kingdom and Mauritius on the reversion of the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritian sovereignty. The deal represented a big move towards decolonization with some sovereign rights by the UK to remain over Diego Garcia.
"The new government in Mauritius has reconsidered some of the terms, but it is still negotiating with Britain. We are aware that both parties have been negotiating seriously and might have an agreement which is acceptable to both," Misri said.
PM Modi's Visit: Enhancing India-Mauritius Relations
Prime Minister Modi will arrive in Port Louis on 11th March on an invitation extended by Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. He will be the Guest of Honour during the National Day celebrations on March 12. A group of Indian Defence Forces, consisting of the Indian Air Force's skydiving unit Akash Ganga and a ship of the Indian Navy, will be joining the celebrations.
Highlighting the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations, Misri noted that PM Modi’s visit will include:
High-level meetings: PM Modi will meet with the President and Prime Minister of Mauritius, along with senior dignitaries and political leaders.
Engagement with the Indian-origin community: He will interact with members of the Indian diaspora.
Infrastructure schemes: He will open the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre, both of which have been financed through India's grant assistance.
Bilateral agreements: Various Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be exchanged to improve cooperation in diverse areas.
India's Continued Defence and Maritime Assistance
India has been a strong supporter of Mauritius' maritime security requirements. "We have already transferred Mauritius Coast Guard Ship (CGS) Barracuda under a combination of grant and loan support. We also provided another ship, CGS Victory, as well as fast interceptor boats under a soft loan," Misri declared.
He further reiterated India's willingness to go on supporting Mauritius in this area, if further help is needed.
PM Modi’s visit underscores India’s deep-rooted partnership with Mauritius, reinforcing strategic cooperation, economic ties, and shared values of sovereignty and self-determination.
Read also| Actress Ranya Admits to Smuggling 17 Gold Bars, Claims to Be a Freelance Realtor in Dubai
Read also| Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai 2.0? China FM Urges India to 'Dance Together' for Stronger Ties
