India has a strong strategic case for deepening relations with Somaliland and considering eventual recognition. Its location, stability, commercial assets, and historic links with India make it a valuable potential partner in the Western Indian Ocean. Engagement could strengthen maritime security, expand trade with East Africa, and give India an alternative foothold in a region where China, Turkey, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Israel are already active.

Why Somaliland Matters to India

Somaliland occupies 850 kilometers of coastline along the Gulf of Aden, near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea. Much of India’s trade and energy supply crosses this corridor. Cooperation with a stable partner could support naval access, anti-piracy patrols, maritime awareness, and protection of sea lanes.

It would also diversify India’s regional options. China operates a naval base in neighboring Djibouti, while Turkey has extensive political and security ties with Somalia’s federal government. Relations with Hargeisa would not displace them but could provide India a complementary logistics and diplomatic option centered on Berbera.

Somaliland has governed itself since declaring independence in 1991,........

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