First to Recognize
“First to Recognize, First to Benefit: India, Somaliland, and a New Strategic Horizon”
Fellow Somalilanders
Abstract
This article describes the recent changes in India’s relationship with Somaliland and how these changes occur within the broader context of the Horn of Africa and the Indo-Pacific. It suggests that even though Somaliland does not have official recognition from other countries, its useful position, developing democracy, and expanding diplomatic relations present India with a chance to play many roles. It studies combining defensive realism, constructivist soft power projection, maritime security doctrines, and normative diplomacy. It also connects India’s potential stance on Somaliland to the dynamics in the BRICS and explains how this case could show India’s impact on international standards in the 21st century.
Keywords: India, Somaliland, maritime security, Horn of Africa, strategic hedging, normative diplomacy
Since Somaliland, a republic in the Horn of Africa, proclaimed independence in 1991, it has acted as an independent state. Regardless of not having official international recognition, Somaliland maintains a strong political setup with democratic voting, law and order, stable institutions, and relative peace, which stands out in a region with much instability. As it lies by Djibouti and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key chokepoint, Somaliland is central to the maritime routes of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean.
India usually prioritizes interacting with recognized governments in foreign relations. As the world becomes more multipolar and informal, India needs to use different tools in diplomacy and discover emerging strategies that go outside traditional borders. Somaliland is a possible partner: stable, located strategically, and sharing the same values, standing at the gates to important trade routes worldwide. As India tries to strengthen its strategy in the Indo-Pacific and balance China’s dominance, especially because of China’s presence in the Horn of Africa by building the BRI and a base in Djibouti, Somaliland provides India with an excellent opportunity. India can build influence and achieve its goals through this arrangement, including gaining access, without having to confront countries more directly or get deeply involved.
Also, adhering to democratic values and a secular view of Islam, Somaliland is aligned with India’s vision of a united and pluralistic post-colonial nation. Two-way relations between India and Somaliland help India spread its soft power, guarantee more safety along their sea routes, partner with more Islamic countries, and open new trade directions. Because of the marriage between diplomatic alignment and Somaliland’s geopolitical role, there comes a diplomatic approach that reflects the challenges and opportunities seen in today’s world affairs. This article looks into the situation of India-Somaliland relations, focusing on the dispute over Somaliland’s recognition and discussing India’s reasons for considering strategic action in the Horn of Africa
India’s Path to Strategic Leverage in the Horn of Africa“
This is a key moment for India, which could lead to becoming the very first country to officially acknowledge Somaliland, demonstrating both intelligent strategy and adherence to the principles of international law and democracy. Since 1991, Somaliland has been de facto independent, and it has run a stable government, kept up with democratic elections, and respected the law. These features match the descriptions in the Montevideo Convention of 1933, which lists a permanent population, a set territory, a government, and the ability to create relationships with other states.
Gaining recognition from Somaliland would give India a valuable location close to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital waterway for much of worldwide shipping. Permitting key US installations there would help to counter the increasing impact of China’s expansions in Africa. Being recognized by India may help lead the way for other international debates on de facto states that fulfill the standards necessary to be considered a nation, putting New Delhi in the spotlight as a practical and moral actor on the world stage.
As far back as 1971, India was known to back the self-determination movement by supporting Bangladesh’s independence. Acknowledging Somaliland would honor India’s history, making it more known for supporting democracy and post-colonial freedom. Moreover, this could offer more chances for cooperation in trade and security, and also gives Uganda a foothold at the Port of Berbera, which was built with substantial funding from the United Arab Emirates
All in all, India’s acknowledgment of Somaliland gives it the potential to develop its strategic position, follow international norms, and maintain its focus on democracy. It would allow India to play a key role in changing the Horn of Africa region and set itself up as a good example for how countries conduct new forms of international business.
Geopolitical Counterbalance: Maritime Surveillance and Strategic Denial
Maritime Surveillance and Strategic Denial are tools for Geopolitical Counterbalance. Somaliland, beside Djibouti, where military bases operate for the US, China, France, and Japan, lies close to the important Bab al-Mandab Strait, which leads to the Suez Canal and helps to manage about 10% of all world trade. Defensive realism sees India’s involvement in Somaliland as an effort to match the growing naval power that China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) can project, following its 2017 establishment of a military base in Djibouti. Because of the many big powers in Djibouti, Somaliland becomes a better location for India to develop its maritime domain awareness. If India appears at Berbera port and gets access to information, it can keep an eye on the corridor and prevent other nations from grabbing power, so that the balance is maintained. In addition, India’s focus along the BRI’s maritime routes includes Chabahar (in Iran), Duqm (Oman), and the countries of East Africa’s coast.
Normative Soft Power Projection: Constructivist Engagement through Democratic Solidarity
Forming Democratic Alliances. Other than realpolitik, constructivist thinking can be applied to understand India’s engagement with Somaliland, based on their similar democratic outlook and institutions. Despite not being recognized, Somaliland has created a democratic system with frequent elections, freedoms for the press, and mixes traditional and modern ways of resolving local disputes. Ever since it became the largest democracy and a leader in South-South cooperation, India has long prioritized educational, healthcare, and institution-building. Somaliland’s wishes and hopes are well matched by this approach, which allows India to present its leadership in policy while standing in contrast to China’s focus on development projects. Help from civilian programs like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and the Pan-African e-Network project allows India to aid Somaliland’s self-government and develop civil rights involvement, in accordance with normative institutionalism.
Support for a Democratic Periphery: Strategic Hedging and Trilateral Alignment with Taiwan
The fact that Somaliland established diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2020 is a strong step away from China’s governmental principle of one China. For India, using flexible partnerships allows it to respond to external threats without directly clashing. Taiwan and India are expanding their connections in tech and health, which are standard elements of this approach. India’s informal support for Somaliland-Taiwan ties might encourage a coalition of democracies stretching from East Asia to the Horn of Africa. The coalition works to reduce China’s dominance in the region by using covert, convincing diplomatic moves. Being a member of the Quad also helps India show its support for liberal norms. Being involved with Somaliland and Taiwan, India aims to increase democracy in regions that are disputed by different countries.
Expansion of Maritime Security Architecture: SAGAR Doctrine and Multinodal Connectivity
The SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy from India emphasizes teamwork in maritime security across the Indian Ocean region. Because of its prime location and strong port facilities, particularly the Emirati-run Berbera Port, Somaliland has chances to be part of India’s expanding maritime program. The location of Somaliland could be important for logistics in Indian naval missions such as anti-piracy, assisting communities, and diplomatic meetings at sea. To deal with illegal fishing, arms smuggling, and trafficking, both countries and regions must use joint security programs apart from only having bilateral military relations. Access agreements with Somaliland would go well with India’s operations in Seychelles, Mauritius, and other nearby states, adding strength to Indian-led marine partnerships. Geographically, Somaliland brings India’s Indo-Pacific and West Asian interests closer together. Stronger ties between the UAE and other Gulf countries in Berbera could strengthen ties within the IOR, defend against problems at important chokepoints, and enhance maritime defenses.
Potential for Diplomatic Recognition and BRICS Dynamics
India recognizing Somaliland would indicate that India stands firm in its respect for democracy, popular sovereignty, and fighting against colonialism. Disabled states and rule by a few stand in sharp contrast to Somaliland’s enduring democracy and achievement in peace. India has backed self-rule in Bangladesh, Namibia, and Palestine, which could make Somaliland recognition a sign of South-South unity and non-Western open-mindedness. This would mean India is unlike China and Russia, where leaders focus more on preserving their systems than on giving true independence. Thanks to recognition, deeper cooperation between the economic, security, and technology sectors would be easier to achieve. Influence from India can be increased by linking with Somaliland’s minerals, local seafood industries, beautiful coastlines, and networks of its diaspora. It would formalize the use of Berbera port and the main air routes necessary for security in Indian Ocean trade.
Through controlling Berbera port and the recent MoU between Ethiopia, Somaliland, and the UAE in infrastructure and commercial-military sectors, India is now able to guide a new trilateral partnership based on projects, digital services, safe shipping routes, and countering terrorism. With Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE being added, BRICS now sees Somaliland as a bridge between East African markets and the important Gulf trade routes. Involving the nations of the Horn of Africa in the BRICS+Horn could encourage inclusive linking, democratic rule, and conservation. India could take a stronger role in BRICS matters by recognizing Somaliland, thereby opposing China’s claims in many African territories. Hence, diplomatic recognition would boost India’s position and play a major role in its multipolar strategy and global leadership.
Maritime Security and Naval Collaboration
Strong maritime links with Somaliland help secure the Indian Ocean area. Berbera, which is on the Bab al-Mandab Strait, is one of the most significant ports for the security of almost 10% of global oil trade and major sea routes. With most of India’s economic activity involving water movement, ensuring a naval presence, tracking, and open seas is very important. Because it is close, Somaliland would be India’s nearest strategic base for sea transportation, compared to India’s existing positions in Madagascar and Reunion Island. Somaliland’s part in stopping pirates, enforcing maritime laws, and upgrading the coast guard fits well with India’s security interests. Some possible types of collaboration may be conducting naval exercises, training coast guard forces, transferring maritime domain awareness technology, and exchanging intel about terror groups like Al-Shabaab. India’s navy, with aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, and amphibious boats, could make use of Somaliland’s ports for repairs and fueling to be active in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea. Having naval forces in major parts of the world helps deter any hazards to international shipping. If Somaliland is integrated into the SAGAR doctrine partnerships together with Seychelles, Mauritius, Djibouti, and Oman, this would strengthen a group working to support marine safety, oppose pirate attacks, and seek environmental sustainability in maritime economies. Taking part in strategic partnerships underpins the security of India and shows support for a maritime order that everyone can value around the world and in the region.
India’s approach to Somaliland is unique in that it includes both realistic foreign policy strategies, adherence to principles, and the influence of soft power. The fact that Somaliland is a democratic entity without international recognition and is placed in a region of significance to India means Delhi can grow its presence in the Horn of Africa and Indo-Pacific. Such steps in Somal iland would be a key move for India to support multipolarity, democratic unity, and the security of its maritime interests. Since BRICS is growing and global alliances are changing, Somaliland becoming a pivot now invites India to take on a stronger role in leading world debates and change.
Gulaid Yusuf Idaan
Idaan54@gmail.com
Senior Lecturer & Researcher, Specializing in Diplomacy, Politics, and International Relations in the Horn of Africa.
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Araweelo News Network.
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