India, April 26 -- On December 26, 2025, Israel formally recognized Somaliland, the first country to extend formal invitations to the Horn of Africa country since it dissolved its union with Somalia and re-asserted its independence. After two weeks of speculation, India's Ministry of External Affairs announced it would not follow suit. "India has longstanding ties with Somalia. We continue to underline the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country," a Ministry spokesman announced. India is not alone; its statement falls in lockstep with Pakistan, Turkey, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

While Indian officials worry about setting a precedent that might embolden Kashmiri separatists, India is...