External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar was on a two-day visit to Mauritius, from July 16 to 17, for meetings with the country’s top political leadership and to review bilateral relations.
India will continue to support Mauritius on the issue of the Chagos archipelago, asserted India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishanakar during his 2-day visit to the island nation. While Mauritius stakes claim on the archipelago, Chagos is still a part of the United Kingdom’s British Indian Ocean Territory.
Dr Jaishankar said that India will consistently support Mauritius on the issue of Chagos archipelago in line with New Delhi’s stand on decolonisation. Jaishankar asserted that India stands for sovereignty and territorial integrity. During his Mauritius visit, Jaishankar met with Prime Minister Pravind Jugnath who raised the issue and also appreciated India’s stance following Jaishankar’s remarks.
While addressing an event in Port Louis alongside Mauritius PM Jugnath, EAM Jaishankar said, “As we look at our deep and enduring relationship, Prime Minister, I would like to again assure you today that on the issue of Chagos, India will continue its consistent support to Mauritius in line with its principal stand on decolonisation and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.”
Mauritius’ Foreign Minister Reacts
Following Jaishankar’s remarks, Mauritius’ Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin expressed his gratitude over India’s stance. “We express our deep gratitude to @DrSJaishankar for reaffirming #India consistent support to #Mauritius regarding the #ChagosArchipelago, in alignment with India’s principled stance on #decolonisation, #sovereignty, and #TerritorialIntegrity,” Gobin posted on X soon after the event.