India and Somalia have held talks to strengthen their defense cooperation, with a focus on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and capacity building. The talks took place during a high-level meeting in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The meeting was attended by Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs of India, and Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, Minister of Defense of Somalia.
The discussions aimed to enhance the defense cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of maritime security and counter-terrorism. The two officials also exchanged views on the security situation in the region and the evolving threats. According to the Ministry of External Affairs of India, the talks were productive and focused on strengthening the bilateral defense cooperation.
Ranganathan, who is also the officer-in-charge of consular, passport, visa, and community affairs for Indian citizens abroad, met with Fiqi during her official visit to Somalia. This visit marks the first high-level visit from India to Somalia in recent years. The Indian Embassy in Nairobi, which is also responsible for Somalia, said that this visit builds on the "long-standing friendly relations" between the two countries.
During her visit, Ranganathan is expected to meet with senior Somali officials to review the existing cooperation between the two countries and explore new opportunities for collaboration in the areas of diplomacy, consular services, and development. This visit comes at a time when both countries are seeking to strengthen their ties, particularly in the areas of security and capacity building.
India and Somalia have a long-standing relationship that dates back to the 1960s, when diplomatic relations were established. India closed its permanent embassy in Mogadishu in 1991, following the outbreak of civil war in Somalia. However, New Delhi has maintained its ties with Somalia through development assistance projects, capacity-building programs, and maritime security cooperation.
The visit by Ranganathan is seen as a significant step towards strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Somalia. The two countries have a strong trade and maritime relationship that spans several centuries. The Indian government has been actively engaging with Somalia in recent years, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in the areas of security, trade, and development.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Nairobi has launched a program to record the oral history of Kenyan citizens of Indian origin. The program, titled "The Bharat Connection: Living Memories, Shared History," aims to document the life stories and historical experiences of prominent members of the Indian community in Kenya, highlighting the historical and cultural ties between India and Kenya.
Key points
- India and Somalia discuss defense cooperation, focusing on maritime security and counter-terrorism.
