

India Defies Israel
New Delhi Rejects Recognition of Somaliland, Reaffirms Support for a Unified Somalia 🇸🇴🇮🇳
NEW DELHI — In a major diplomatic blow to the Israeli government’s recent actions in the Horn of Africa, the Government of India has formally declared its opposition to the recognition of Somaliland.
India has explicitly rejected any attempts to fragment Somali territory, choosing to stand by its long-standing strategic relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia.
The Official Stance
During a high-level press conference on January 9, 2026, the spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, clarified New Delhi’s position:
“India has longstanding ties with Somalia. We continue to underline the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country,” Jaiswal stated, effectively ending rumors of any Indian recognition of the breakaway region.
Strategic Analysis: Why India’s Move Matters (Analysis)
India’s decision to break from Israel on this issue signals its commitment to international law and the preservation of post-colonial borders in Africa.
- Global Solidarity: India now joins other major global powers like China, Egypt, and Turkey, along with 22 Islamic nations, who have all rejected Israel’s December 2025 move.
- Defeating Disinformation: This statement follows recent efforts by the MEA to debunk viral social media claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was preparing to recognize Somaliland.
- Indian Ocean Security: By supporting a unified Somalia, India aims to maintain regional stability and counter unauthorized external interference in the strategic shipping lanes of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.