MUMBAI, India— Somalia’s ambassador to India visited 44 Somali citizens who have been detained in India for several weeks, officials said.
Ambassador Abdullahi Mohamed Odawaa met the detainees in Mumbai, Maharashtra, where they were being held by Indian authorities after being intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard in the Indian Ocean.
The ambassador toured the detention facility, reviewed the conditions of the detainees, and assured them that the Somali government is working to secure a legal and diplomatic resolution.
According to reports, the Somalis had been held for an extended period awaiting trial, prompting concern among their families and the Somali community.
Diplomatic efforts by Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassy in India have now enabled the first court hearing in the case, which the ambassador attended. Officials said subsequent hearings are expected to be expedited.
Ambassador Odawaa expressed optimism that the detainees would regain their freedom, reiterating that the Somali government remains committed to protecting the rights of its citizens abroad.
