India Rejects Israel’s Somaliland Move: What You Need to Know

India has strongly opposed Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland, reaffirming its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

The position was articulated by Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, speaking on behalf of the Indian government.

India rejected Israel’s move to recognize Somaliland as an independent entity, describing the decision as a violation of Somalia’s territorial unity and internationally recognized borders.

The statement was made on January 10, 2026, during a press briefing in New Delhi.

India’s response places it among a growing number of states publicly opposing Israel’s move, reinforcing Somalia’s diplomatic efforts to prevent international legitimization of Somaliland’s unilateral declaration of independence.

Jaiswal emphasized India’s long-standing diplomatic principle of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, a cornerstone of New Delhi’s foreign policy, particularly in post-colonial and Global South contexts.

“We reiterate the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” Jaiswal said, noting the historic relationship between India and Somalia.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government but has not been recognized by the international community. Israel recently became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, triggering diplomatic backlash from Somalia and several of its international partners.

India and Somalia share decades-long diplomatic ties dating back to Somalia’s independence in 1960. India has historically supported Somalia through development cooperation, education, maritime security, and multilateral diplomacy, particularly at the United Nations.

Analysts say India’s stance aligns with broader positions taken by African states, Arab countries, China, and much of the Global South, which oppose unilateral changes to borders. New Delhi is also cautious about precedents that could legitimize separatist movements elsewhere, a sensitivity rooted in its own regional security concerns.

India’s position also reflects its growing engagement in the Indian Ocean and Horn of Africa, where stability of maritime routes and adherence to international norms are seen as strategic priorities.

India’s rejection of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland adds diplomatic weight to Somalia’s campaign to defend its territorial unity, underscoring that—despite shifting geopolitical alliances—the principle of sovereignty remains a red line for major regional and global powers.