MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Somalia has emerged as the leading country in terms of growth in the number of citizens traveling to India, according to the latest report released by the Ministry of Tourism of India. The findings highlight a remarkable increase in travel between the two nations, particularly for medical and educational purposes.
The report shows that travel from Somalia to India surged by 144% between 2019 and 2024, marking the highest percentage increase among all countries during this period. In 2019, 5,044 Somalis visited India; by 2024, that number had risen sharply to 12,320 travelers.
Although the figure represents a slight decline compared to 16,607 Somali travelers in 2023, Somalia still recorded the largest overall increase in travel volume to India over the five-year span.
In addition to Somalia, other countries demonstrated significant increases in travel to India. Cambodia recorded an 81% rise, Kazakhstan saw a 72% increase, and Vietnam reported a 61% growth rate.
However, none matched Somalia’s exceptional surge in outbound travelers.
Experts attribute the sharp rise in Somali travel to India to several key factors:
India has become one of the most popular destinations for medical treatment among Somalis. The country’s affordable healthcare, availability of specialized hospitals, and advanced treatment for chronic diseases—especially cancer, heart disease, and kidney failure—draw thousands of Somali patients each year.
Somalia’s healthcare system, though improving, still struggles with limited access to advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.
The absence of internationally accredited hospitals in the country forces many citizens to seek medical care abroad, with India being one of the most affordable and accessible destinations.
In addition to medical visits, a growing number of Somalis travel to India for higher education and small-scale trade, particularly in cities like New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
Indian universities have become increasingly popular among Somali students due to English-language programs and reasonable tuition fees.
According to tourism analysts, Somalia’s ranking illustrates a broader trend of South-South travel, where developing countries increasingly interact through education, health, and business ties.
The India–Somalia connection has strengthened in recent years due to improved visa facilitation, direct travel routes, and strong community networks.
As India continues to expand its medical and educational outreach across Africa, the number of Somali travelers is expected to remain high.
Officials from both countries have hinted at the possibility of enhanced bilateral cooperation in the health and education sectors to make travel and treatment more efficient for Somali citizens.
Somalia’s remarkable rise to the top of India’s inbound travel growth chart underscores the deepening ties between the two nations—built not on tourism in the traditional sense, but on health, education, and opportunity.