Representation Seeking a Review of India’s Policy Regarding Somaliland

The Centre for Liberty submitted this formal representation to the Ministry of External Affairs in January 2026 requesting a structured review of India’s long-standing policy posture regarding the Republic of Somaliland.

Since 1991, Somaliland has functioned as a de facto self-governing political entity, exercising effective administrative control over its territory and maintaining a degree of internal security and democratic continuity that is uncommon in the Horn of Africa. This status has persisted for over three decades, making it an enduring political reality rather than a transitional or unresolved situation.

The representation does not seek to advocate any predetermined diplomatic outcome, including formal recognition. Instead, it proposes an examination of whether India’s existing posture of non-recognition continues to best serve India’s diplomatic principles, regional interests, and policy coherence, particularly in light of evolving regional dynamics and recent developments involving third countries.

The submission notes that Somaliland’s political trajectory is historically distinct, arising from the breakdown of a voluntary political union rather than a conventional secessionist process. It further highlights the growing relevance of developments in Somaliland for maritime trade and logistics in the Western Indian Ocean, including the emergence of the Port of Berbera as a key regional logistics hub.

The Centre for Liberty respectfully requested that the representation be examined by the appropriate territorial and policy divisions within the Ministry and conveyed its willingness to provide additional analytical material or background notes should they be considered useful.