India-Somaliland Strategic Partnership

Introduction

From Centuries of Indian Ocean Trade to Maritime Security and Economic Cooperation

The relationship between India and Somaliland should not be viewed as a new geopolitical idea. Its roots extend deep into the Indian Ocean trading system, where the Horn of Africa, Arabia and South Asia were connected for centuries by maritime commerce. Berbera, in particular, served as an important gateway linking the Somaliland interior with Aden and wider Asian markets. Today, this historical connection can provide a foundation for a modern partnership based on trade, investment, maritime security and regional connectivity.

1. A Relationship Older Than the British Protectorate

Archaeological research around Berbera has demonstrated the long-standing participation of the Somaliland coast in Indian Ocean trade. Research on trading sites has identified substantial quantities of Asian ceramics, indicating sustained commercial interaction between the Horn of Africa and Asia centuries before the establishment of the British Somaliland Protectorate.

This history is important because it shows that commercial links between Somaliland and the wider Indian Ocean were not created by British colonial rule. The British period later expanded and institutionalised regional connections, but it formed only one chapter in a much older maritime trading history.

2. Berbera: The Gateway Between Somaliland and the Indian Ocean

Berbera became the principal port of British Somaliland and was closely connected with Aden. Historical accounts describe Berbera as a major commercial gateway through which imported goods reached Somaliland and goods from the interior were exported to international markets.

Imports included cotton textiles, rice, flour, dates, sugar and tobacco. Exports included livestock, hides and skins, gums, resins and other products from the Horn of Africa. The commercial route can therefore be understood as: India and Asia → Aden → Berbera → Somaliland interior, with goods moving in the opposite direction from the interior through Berbera to Aden and the wider Indian Ocean.

This geography remains strategically relevant today. Berbera is positioned near the Gulf of Aden and the maritime route connecting the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

3. The Role of Indian Merchants

Indian merchants were important participants in the commercial networks of the Gulf of Aden and the Somali coast. Historical scholarship has documented Indian trading communities operating in the wider Horn of Africa, including the commercial environment connected to Berbera.

Their activities included the movement of textiles, rice, spices and manufactured goods, while the wider regional economy supplied livestock, hides and skins, frankincense, myrrh, gums and other commodities. It is important, however, not to portray Berbera as an Indian-controlled city. Somali merchants and communities remained central to local commerce, while Indian and Arab traders formed part of a wider international network.

4. India, Aden and the British Somaliland Connection

Aden was historically linked to British India, and this created an administrative and commercial connection between India, Aden and Somaliland. Before responsibility for British Somaliland was transferred to London in 1898, the territory was administered through the regional system centred on Aden. This helped strengthen the movement of people, goods and commercial services between the Indian Ocean, Aden and Somaliland.

Further archival research into British Somaliland administrative reports, Colonial Office records, commercial directories and municipal records could provide more detailed evidence about individual Indian merchants, employees, businesses and communities in Berbera, Hargeisa, Burao and Borama.

5. Why the Historical Relationship Matters Today

The historical relationship provides a useful foundation, but the future India–Somaliland relationship should not depend only on history. It should be built around contemporary mutual interests. India is a major trading nation with growing interests in Africa and the Indian Ocean, while Somaliland occupies a strategically important position on the Gulf of Aden.

The opportunity is therefore to connect history with economics and maritime strategy: Indian Ocean history → Berbera Port → India–Africa trade → Gulf of Aden maritime security → wider regional connectivity.

6. Areas for a Modern India–Somaliland Partnership

A practical partnership could begin with areas that provide mutual economic and security benefits without creating unnecessary geopolitical tensions.

• Maritime-domain awareness, information sharing, anti-piracy cooperation, search and rescue, and protection of commercial shipping.
• Cooperation related to Berbera Port, logistics, warehousing, supply chains and India–Africa trade.
• Opportunities for Indian companies in pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, construction, agriculture, education, finance and technology.
• Fisheries and the blue economy, marine research, sustainable fisheries, coastal development and related investment.
• Human development, education, vocational training, healthcare cooperation and technical capacity building.

7. Maritime Security and Strategic Cooperation

Because of its location, Somaliland can contribute to discussions concerning the security of the Gulf of Aden and international shipping. India has a direct interest in the safety of commercial sea lanes linking the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea and Europe.

The most practical approach would be to emphasise partnership rather than immediately proposing a permanent military base. A constructive framework could include maritime-domain awareness, port security, anti-piracy operations, search and rescue, training and information exchange. Such cooperation would support international shipping while allowing both sides to develop confidence gradually.

Conclusion

The India–Somaliland relationship has historical depth and modern strategic potential. Berbera was part of an Indian Ocean commercial system long before the British Protectorate, and Indian merchants participated in the wider trading networks connecting the Horn of Africa with Asia and Arabia. The British period strengthened the India–Aden–Somaliland connection, but it should not be considered the beginning of the relationship.

Today, the same geography that once connected merchants and commodities connects India to one of the world’s most important maritime corridors. A modern Republic of India–Republic of Somaliland partnership could therefore combine historical ties with trade, investment, port development, maritime security and human development.

The strategic vision can be expressed simply: HISTORICAL CONNECTION → ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP → MARITIME SECURITY. This provides a practical and diplomatic basis for developing a long-term India–Somaliland Strategic Partnership.