Explainer: Why the Centre for Liberty Requested a Review of India’s Somaliland Policy
Key Points
- We requested a policy review, not an immediate or predetermined diplomatic outcome.
- Somaliland has functioned as a de facto self-governing entity since 1991.
- The Port of Berbera and the Gulf of Aden corridor have growing relevance for maritime trade.
- Somaliland’s case is distinct from typical secessionist movements.
- A review allows India to assess calibrated engagement options consistent with existing precedents.
What We Submitted
On January 1, 2026, the Centre for Liberty submitted a representation to the Prime Minister’s Office requesting consideration of a structured review of India’s policy toward the Republic of Somaliland.
What We Are Asking For
We are asking the Government of India to consider whether its long-standing posture of non-recognition by default remains optimal, or whether it merits reassessment in light of sustained ground realities and evolving regional dynamics.
A review is a process. It enables deliberate policy consideration rather than inherited inertia.
Scope of This Submission
To avoid misinterpretation, this submission:
- Does not seek immediate recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state.
- Does not advocate a rupture in India’s relations with Somalia or African partners.
- Does not prejudge any specific diplomatic or institutional outcome.
- Does not propose a departure from India’s established foreign policy principles.
Background
Somaliland corresponds to the former British Somaliland Protectorate, which entered into a voluntary union with Italian Somalia in 1960. Since 1991, Somaliland has existed as a de facto self-governing political entity, maintaining internal stability and conducting multiple elections over more than three decades.
This makes Somaliland an enduring political reality rather than a temporary or unresolved dispute.
Why This Matters to India
India’s interests in the Western Indian Ocean include maritime security, trade flows, and resilient logistics corridors. Somaliland’s coastline lies along the Gulf of Aden corridor linking the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea.
The Port of Berbera has emerged as an important logistics hub and a key alternative corridor for Ethiopian trade. As engagement by external actors in this region increases, India benefits from policy clarity and strategic optionality.
What Options a Review Could Examine
A structured review could examine a range of options, including:
- Maintaining the current posture with clearer articulation of India’s rationale.
- Calibrated, functional engagement consistent with India’s existing precedents.
- Trade- and commerce-facilitating mechanisms to protect Indian economic interests.
- Technical or Track-II engagement to improve policy readiness and situational awareness.
What Happens Next
Foreign policy reviews are typically internal processes. There may be no immediate public response. This explainer is published in the interest of transparency and public understanding.
Further reading: The Lowdown on Somaliland