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India Takes a Regional Approach to Somali Oil
World Politics Review
Friday, April 13, 2012

It is no surprise that piracy has steadily climbed up the ranks of threats to India’s security, given India’s energy trade with the Middle East.

But now, with vast untapped oil reserves reported in Somalia and just off its coast, piracy emanating from the Horn of Africa is impinging on India’s future energy sourcing opportunities as well.

Further complicating India’s plans for the region is the nexus between Somali pirates and the al-Qaida affiliate al-Shabab, which still has a significant presence in central Somalia and provides sanctuary to pirate fleets operating out of the central Somali city of Harardhere in return for a share of the bounty.

If left unchecked, al-Shabab may also become capable of threatening various connectivity projects India is building in the region. As a result, India is likely to coordinate with Somalia’s neighbors and the United States in the effort to contain the group’s virulent jihadism and stabilize the area.

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