India and Somalia established diplomatic relations in 1960, building on post-independence African solidarity. Political instability and civil conflict from 1991 onward severely disrupted the bilateral relationship, but India has maintained a development cooperation presence and provided humanitarian assistance. India's Indian Ocean maritime security operations — particularly Operation Sankalp and anti-piracy patrols — have been a defining feature of the contemporary relationship, as India protects its vital sea lanes through the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Somalia actually work together
4 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
Estimates based on available UN Comtrade and MEA data, 2023. Trade is severely constrained by conflict and weak formal trade institutions; actual flows through informal channels may be higher.
$100m
Total bilateral trade in goods
$80m
India exports to country
$20m
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$0.1bnin 2024 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1960, in 6 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
India-Somalia relations are cautiously recovering after decades of disruption. The Indian Embassy in Mogadishu is open, maritime security cooperation provides a substantive bilateral activity, and development cooperation channels are being rebuilt. Somalia's gradual stabilisation creates growing scope for Indian business and development engagement, though security conditions remain fragile and al-Shabaab retains significant capacity.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalMogadishu
Population17 million
RegionAfrica
Diplomatic tiesSince 1960
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