Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth took to X on October 4, 2024, to thank India for its steadfast support in completing Mauritius’s decolonization.
Mr. Jugnauth’s acknowledgment follows a historic agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, an archipelagic territory in the Indian Ocean that has been a point of contention for decades.
The UK’s decision to relinquish control over the Chagos Islands, except for the strategic atoll of Diego Garcia, which remains under a 99-year lease for military use, marks the culmination of Mauritius’s long-standing claim to the islands.
How was India involved?
PM Jugnauth’s thanks to India on this occasion is not without reason.
India has consistently supported Mauritius’s position on the Chagos issue, aligning with its policy on decolonization and respect for international law, particularly the territorial integrity of nations.
This support was notably highlighted by Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who emphasized India’s stance on decolonization, aligning with global sentiments pushing to complete Mauritius’s sovereignty. The Indian stance has been diplomatic and practically supportive, reflected in India’s various cooperative ventures with Mauritius, including military exercises and environmental clean-ups, showcasing a rather productive partnership.
The Chagos Islands
The Chagos Islands issue has been a symbol of Mauritius’s incomplete decolonization since its independence in 1968, with the UK detaching the islands during the colonial era. The recent agreement, while celebrating the return of sovereignty, also addresses the historical grievances of the Chagossian people, who were forcibly removed from their homes to facilitate the establishment of a military base on Diego Garcia.
PM Jugnauth also thanks the African Union
PM Jugnauth’s tweet encapsulates not just gratitude for India’s diplomatic backing but also recognizes the broader support from other nations and international bodies, including the African Union, which have stood by Mauritius in this prolonged struggle. The tweet, while brief, showed a deep bond and mutual respect between India and Mauritius, built over years of cultural, economic, and strategic collaboration.