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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-Shaba, 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-Shaba 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.
World Politics Review
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