Yesterday, in his statement in Parliament, Pravind Jugnauth explained that during his mission to the United Nations, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, September 21, 2022, he had a meeting with the former British Prime Minister, Liz Truss. The head of government said that the issue of the Chagos Archipelago was discussed. The Prime Minister said that fundamental points were addressed during these discussions. And maintained that Mauritius and the United Kingdom have decided to enter negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.
According to the Guardian: “The intended agreement will allow for the return of former inhabitants of the Chagos archipelago who were forcibly displaced by the British government in the 1970s. The UK would intend to maintain control of its strategic Indian Ocean military base in Diego Garcia, which it leases to the US.
In a written ministerial statement the foreign secretary, James Cleverly, said the aim was to reach a settlement with Mauritius early next year. It follows talks between the then prime minister, Liz Truss, and Mauritius officials in New York in October. The UK has twice been defeated in the international courts over the issue and, with ministers’ intent on a tilt to the Indo-Pacific, it was felt the British resistance to a handover was hampering the UK’s ability to build alliances in the region. The US appears to have received satisfactory assurances about its base.
“The UK and Mauritius have reiterated that any agreement between our two countries will ensure the continued effective operation of the joint UK/US military base on Diego Garcia, which plays a vital role in regional and global security. We recognise the US’s and India’s interests and will keep them informed of progress.”
