Mauritian PM Navin Ramgoolam indicates a potential deal with the UK on Chagos Islands sovereignty is imminent. He highlights prior agreements while seeking renegotiation for better compensation. The situation raises security concerns from UK Conservatives, especially regarding US military interests. Meanwhile, Ramgoolam asserts that higher payments linked to inflation are necessary for a valid agreement.
Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam expressed optimism regarding negotiations with the UK over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. During a parliamentary session, he disclosed a recent conversation with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is committed to advancing the agreement previously struck with Mauritius. Ramgoolam remains hopeful for a prompt resolution to the matter.
Previously, the UK agreed to return sovereignty over the Chagos Islands under the former Mauritian government. However, upon taking office, Ramgoolam called for a renegotiation of the agreement. The situation has generated controversy in the UK, especially among the Conservatives, who argue that doing so would compromise national security due to the US military base on Diego Garcia.
The UK plans to continue leasing Diego Garcia for 99 years at an estimated cost of £90 million annually. Concerns voiced by members of Donald Trump’s administration indicated that yielding control could reduce Western standing in the Indian Ocean and potentially bolster China’s influence. Nonetheless, Mauritius has maintained its independence regarding China’s Belt and Road Initiative, fostering connections with India instead.
Ramgoolam stated that the renegotiated deal would establish clear Mauritian sovereignty over the islands and require mutual consent for extending the lease on Diego Garcia. He remarked, “President Trump is not a wolf. Let him see if the agreement is good or not,” emphasizing the importance of reviewing the terms.
He also noted that the revised agreement might provide higher compensation linked to inflation, arguing that the previous terms were inadequate, labelling them a “sellout.” He described measures to ensure the UK’s contributions remain robust amidst inflation, suggesting that adjustments could significantly increase the payments.
Conversely, Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel criticized the potential deal, alleging it undermines British security interests. She accused Starmer of imposing a financially burdensome settlement on taxpayers while appeasing Mauritius. Meanwhile, Downing Street refrained from commenting on ongoing negotiations, citing a lack of updates.
The Chagos Islands have been a point of contention between Mauritius and the UK since the British government took control in the 1960s, evicting islanders to establish a military base. The UK has leased Diego Garcia to the US for military operations, raising security concerns amid shifting political landscapes. The current negotiations involve sovereignty restoration and recalibrating compensation terms, particularly under the new Mauritian administration led by Ramgoolam, who is advocating for a better deal than his predecessor negotiated. The geopolitical implications involve the balance of power in the Indian Ocean, influenced by US and China relations.
The negotiations surrounding the Chagos Islands highlight complex geopolitics involving former colonial territories, national security, and international relations. Prime Minister Ramgoolam’s proactive stance may reshape the long-standing agreement with the UK, tailoring it to better suit Mauritian interests. The outcome of these discussions will not only affect Mauritius and the UK but also impact strategic dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.
Original Source: www.standard.co.uk
