India and Somalia Sign Foreign Ministry Consultation Agreement

India and Somalia signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Mogadishu on November 14 to establish a structured mechanism for regular consultations between their respective foreign ministries. The agreement was signed by Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary in the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, and Somali Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Mohamed Ali. The two officials discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, education, medical services, and capacity-building.

During the visit, Ranganathan conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Ranganathan also met with Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi to discuss strengthening security ties, with a specific focus on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and capacity building. The officials exchanged views on the current regional security environment.

The High Commission of India in Kenya noted that this trip represents the first high-level bilateral visit from India to Somalia in recent years. While India and Somalia have maintained formal diplomatic relations since 1960, India has operated without a resident mission in Mogadishu since 1991, when it was closed due to civil war. India has since managed its engagement through maritime cooperation and development assistance.