From Red Sea to Indian Ocean: Why recognizing Somaliland could be India’s hidden ace for maritime dominance, promoting democratic values

[Deeq A.]

Somaliland, a self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa, has functioned autonomously since proclaiming independence in 1991, despite lacking international recognition. Over the years, it has built a functional democracy, held regular elections, maintained judicial independence, and achieved relative stability in a region often characterized by disorder. Its strategic location near the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait also lends it considerable maritime and geopolitical significance.

This article argues that Somaliland offers a range of opportunities—particularly for India. By advancing a compelling case for formal engagement, it will demonstrate how India could deepen its Indo-Pacific strategy and counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region through a bold and rarely exercised move in modern diplomacy: the formal recognition of Somaliland.

Geopolitical counterbalance
Establishing official ties with Somaliland would bring India closer to the Bab al-Mandab Strait—a critical maritime chokepoint through which approximately 10% of global trade flows. Access to ports such as Berbera offers India a strategic maritime advantage, particularly in light of China’s expanding military presence in nearby Djibouti.

Somaliland’s coastline offers India a strategic gateway to the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Given that approximately 90% of India’s trade is seaborne, secure access to maritime routes is essential. Berbera represents the closest viable location for a future Indian maritime base west of the Malacca Strait, potentially reducing India’s dependence on existing facilities in locations such as Réunion or Madagascar.

Expansion of maritime security
Somaliland’s geographic proximity provides India with opportunities to conduct anti-piracy missions, humanitarian assistance, and logistical operations. Given the rise in maritime crimes—including arms trafficking, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and drug smuggling—joint enforcement efforts are increasingly vital. Somaliland could be integrated into India’s existing network of naval bases in Seychelles, Mauritius, and Oman, thereby contributing to the formation of a western Indo-Pacific arc of stability.

Establishing formal relations between Somaliland and India could pave the way for joint ventures in mineral development, fisheries, coastal tourism, and diaspora engagement. Additional areas of cooperation might include port logistics, utilization of air corridors, and defense technology exchanges.

Somaliland is actively engaged in piracy prevention, maritime law enforcement, and the development of its coast guard. India, in partnership with Kenya, could conduct joint naval exercises, share surveillance technologies, and coordinate counterterrorism efforts—particularly against threats posed by Al-Shabaab. With its fleet of nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers, India is well positioned to utilize Berbera for maintenance, refueling, and intelligence operations.

With the expansion of BRICS to include Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE, Somaliland is increasingly positioned as a strategic bridge. India is well placed to lead and shape this emerging dialogue.

Recognizing Somaliland would reinforce India’s image as a principled power committed to democracy and post-colonial justice. It would also grant India strategic access to the Port of Berbera, enhance the maritime framework of the SAGAR initiative, and solidify India’s standing as a credible leader within the BRICS+ grouping. AS

Editor’s Note: Gulaid Yusuf Idaan is a senior lecturer and researcher specializing in diplomacy, politics, and international relations in the Horn of Africa. He can be contacted at Idaan54@gmail.com

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