By HAN News Desk
NEW DELHI — The Indian government has dismissed as “fake news” social media claims suggesting that the president of Somaliland regional administration held official talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, or that India is close to recognizing the self-declared republic.
India’s Fact Check Unit at the Ministry of External Affairs rejected the reports in a post on X, formerly Twitter, warning the public against misinformation circulating online.
“Fake news alert! The posts below are false,” the ministry said, responding to widely shared claims that Modi had held formal discussions with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) and that recognition by India was imminent.
The clarification came after social media platforms were flooded with posts alleging that talks had taken place between Indian and Somaliland officials, portraying the development as a major diplomatic breakthrough for Somaliland.
India also denied reports claiming that Somalia had summoned its ambassador to New Delhi in response to the alleged recognition move. The ministry said those reports were also false and had no factual basis.
Screenshots shared by India’s fact-check unit showed images and posts that falsely depicted official diplomatic engagement between India and Somaliland. The ministry said the content was misleading and did not reflect India’s official foreign policy.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government, but it has not been recognized by India or any other United Nations member state. India has consistently supported Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, in line with international law.
The incident highlights the growing challenge governments face in countering misinformation on social media, particularly on sensitive geopolitical issues.
