Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reaffirmed support for Mauritius’ sovereignty, backing the island nation’s claim over the Chagos Islands.
This development comes as Mauritius has called for a fresh deal on the Chagos Archipelago, which hosts a military base operated by the US and UK.
Efforts are underway to reach a formal treaty to resolve a decades-old dispute between London and Port Louis.
“In the context of Chagos, we fully respect the sovereignty of Mauritius,” PM Modi said during a joint press briefing with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
“A free, open, secure, and safe Indian Ocean is our shared priority,” Modi said against a backdrop of China’s expanding influence in the region.
PM Modi stated that the two countries will enhance their cooperation through forums such as the Colombo Security Conclave, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, and the Indian Ocean Conference.
PM Modi lands in Delhi
PM Modi returned to Delhi on Thursday from Mauritius after a two-day state visit.
Content retrieved from: https://www.firstpost.com/world/pm-modi-throws-his-weight-behind-mauritius-as-it-negotiates-chagos-deal-with-uk-13871135.html.
