MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received the diplomatic credentials of India’s ambassador, Dr. Adarsh Swaika, during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu.
Mohamud wished Swaika success during his tenure after hearing his plans and priorities for strengthening relations and cooperation between Somalia and India.
Swaika conveyed greetings and a message from India’s leadership and expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation with Somalia.
Honoured to present my Letter of Credence to H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia, today at Villa Somalia. Conveyed greetings of Hon’ble Rashtrapati ji @rashtrapatibhvn and Hon’ble PM @narendramodi. Committed to further strengthening ties between 🇮🇳 🇸🇴.@MOFASomalia pic.twitter.com/SjEvVmFiQx
— Adarsh Swaika (@AdarshSwaika1) August 19, 2026
Swaika also met with Somali Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama to discuss bilateral cooperation and ways to expand ties in areas of mutual interest.
Ambassador-designate @AdarshSwaika1 called on Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia H.E @SalahJama, today.
The discussions covered key areas of bilateral cooperation and ways to further strengthen it in diverse sectors of mutual interest.@DrSJaishankar @KVSinghMPGonda @PMOIndia… pic.twitter.com/EdCRcI8kk4
— India in Kenya (@IndiainKenya) August 18, 2026
In Mogadishu, he met with members of Som-India, an organization with more than 500 members who have studied at Indian universities.
Swaika praised their continued engagement with the Indian Embassy and their contributions to deepening India-Somalia ties through trade, education and culture.
Ambassador-designate @AdarshSwaika1 met a delegation of Som India, an organisation having more than 500 members, who have studied in Indian universities.
Ambassador expressed appreciation for their continued association with the Embassy and their contribution in strengthening… pic.twitter.com/36KIoa5W8p
— India in Kenya (@IndiainKenya) August 18, 2026
Swaika also met with Indian nationals living and working in Mogadishu, assuring them that their welfare remains a priority for the embassy.
A consular officer addressed questions from community members, providing clarification and guidance on various consular matters during the interactive session.
Ambassador-designate @AdarshSwaika1 had an interactive session with a number of Indian nationals working in Mogadishu.
He assured the Indian community members that their welfare remains top priority of the Embassy. The consular officer also provided clarity on their consular… pic.twitter.com/L8k7ckP9IT
— India in Kenya (@IndiainKenya) August 18, 2026
Swaika separately met with Somali Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Dahir Shire Mohamed to discuss cooperation opportunities in key sectors.
They discussed opportunities for Indian companies to collaborate with Somalia in petroleum and mining, including training and capacity-building for Somali professionals.
Ambassador-designate called on H.E. Dahir Shire Mohamed, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Somalia @DahaShire.
They exchanged views on opportunities for Indian companies for collaboration in petroleum and mining sectors in Somalia, including capacity-building of… pic.twitter.com/56TZaq8rqo
— India in Kenya (@IndiainKenya) August 18, 2026
India remains a key destination for Somali patients seeking specialized medical treatment abroad, particularly for procedures and services not readily available in Somalia.
Somali nationals frequently travel to India for medical care, with many seeking visas through Indian diplomatic missions in Nairobi and Addis Ababa.
Swaika’s arrival in Mogadishu could provide an opportunity to strengthen consular services and address visa-related concerns affecting Somali travelers, including those seeking medical treatment in India.
Somalia and India have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with ties spanning trade, education, development and other areas of cooperation.
India has also supported capacity-building and humanitarian efforts in Somalia, as well as broader initiatives across East Africa.
By Abdirisak Mohamud Turyare
