India is rapidly expanding its role in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, shifting from quiet participation to active regional engagement as it seeks to secure trade routes, counter China’s growing influence, and establish itself as a major regional security partner. Since Prime Minister Modi took office in 2014, New Delhi has accelerated high-level diplomacy, naval exercises, and infrastructure projects across the region. Declaring itself the Indian Ocean’s “net security provider” in 2023, India now offers technology and development aid to Horn of Africa nations, including Somalia, Kenya, and Djibouti, without imposing political conditions. Meanwhile, it is also pursuing mineral and supply-chain interests in Somaliland. While there is progress, analysts say sustaining influence will require stronger institutional support, consistent project delivery, and long-term financing as India competes with global powers such as China, Turkey, Iran, and Gulf states for influence in the strategically important region.
The Conversation
