Several Indian media have reported that the Indian Government kept a close watch on Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth’s US visit agenda last week, particularly those that could see a discussion on the US military base at the strategically important island of Diego Garcia.
“There is an ongoing dispute over the sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago – which includes Diego Garcia – in the Indian Ocean. The island is currently leased by the United States for use as a military base, but Mauritius has long claimed sovereignty over the archipelago. The US has a significant military presence in Diego Garcia and the lease is set to expire in 2036”, the Economic Times reported.
Last week, Jugnauth addressed the plenary session of the U.S.-Africa 2022 Leaders’ Summit. The Prime Minister and his wife Kobita Jugnauth were also the guests of the American presidential couple at a dinner on 14 December 2022 at the White House.
He had a working meeting with Jon Finer, Deputy National Security Advisor – and reportedly discussed “avenues of possible cooperation”.
Mauritius is one of the closest partners of New Delhi in the Indian Ocean Region and India has in the past supported the island in its efforts to regain sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago.
If successful, this would not only be a major political victory for Mauritius but could also bring significant benefits for Mauritius, and by extension, to India.
Source: The Economic Times, GIS Mauritius
