MOGADISHU, Somalia — India’s ambassador-designate to Somalia, Dr. Adarsh Swaika, met Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali on Thursday in Mogadishu, reaffirming bilateral relations between both countries.
Swaika, based in Nairobi, presented his credentials at Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussing long-standing ties and opportunities for expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
He said India attaches great importance to its relationship with Somalia and remains committed to strengthening cooperation in trade, education, healthcare, and institutional development.
Foreign Minister Ali welcomed the envoy and said Somalia is committed to ensuring diplomatic relations translate into practical development outcomes that benefit citizens nationwide.
He said the partnership with India is grounded in mutual respect and shared interests, expressing optimism about deeper cooperation.
Swaika also met with ministers of commerce and interior to discuss investment prospects, economic cooperation, and strengthening institutional partnerships across government sectors.
Talks also covered healthcare access, with India remaining a leading destination for Somali patients seeking affordable and specialized medical treatment services abroad.
Many Somalis travel to India through diplomatic missions in Nairobi and Addis Ababa to secure medical visas for treatment and healthcare access.
The diplomatic coordination could help streamline travel procedures for Somali nationals seeking healthcare and other essential services abroad.
Somalia and India have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, cooperating in trade, education, development initiatives, and broader regional humanitarian support programs across East Africa.
