Somalia Deputy PM Salah Ahmed Jama Surprises Rajdeep Sardesai With Fluent Hindi During Interview at WEF, Recalls His Time in India and His Love for Dal Makhani (Watch Video)

New Delhi, January 23: In a moment that has resonated across the Indian digital landscape, Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama made headlines this week by delivering remarks in fluent Hindi during an interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2026. While his presence in Davos was intended to discuss Somalia’s "National Transformation Plan", his effortless command of the Indian language and his deep-rooted personal history with the country have highlighted a unique cultural bridge between the two nations.

An Indian Education: 'The Best Days of My Life', Says Salah Jama

The secret behind Jama's linguistic prowess lies in his formative years. Before moving to Canada for higher studies, Jama spent a significant portion of his youth living and studying in India. In the interview with Rajdeep Sardesai, Consulting Editor of India Today TV, the Deputy PM of Somalia fondly recalled his time in Pune, Hyderabad, and Delhi, describing that period as "the best days of his life". Gujarat Fire: Somalia-Bound Ship Loaded With Rice and Sugar Catches Blaze While Being Anchored at Porbandar Subhashnagar Jetty, Video Surfaces.

Somalia Deputy PM Salah Ahmed Jama Speaks Fluent Hindi During Interview With Rajdeep Sardesai

His familiarity with Hindi and Urdu was cultivated not just through academic life but through total immersion in Indian culture and society. He even shared his personal affinity for Indian cuisine, identifying Dal Makhani as a long-time favourite.

Who Is Salah Ahmed Jama?

Born in 1980 in Erigavo, Somalia, Jama has had a distinguished career in both academia and public service:

Academic Background: After his time in India, he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science and Developmental Studies from Carleton University in Canada.

Political Rise: He has served in various high-level roles in the Somali government, including Minister of Labour and Minister of Constitutional Affairs, before being appointed Deputy Prime Minister in August 2022.

Global Advocate: In recent years, he has become a prominent voice for Somalia on the global stage, advocating for climate justice at COP30 and economic investment at Davos.

Strengthening India-Somalia Relations

Jama's personal connection is part of a broader "Indian Alumni" network within the Somali leadership. During his interview, he noted that even Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is an alumnus of an Indian institution (Barkatullah University, Bhopal).

This "soft power" connection has played a subtle but vital role in strengthening bilateral ties. Jama emphasised that Somalia is currently seeking strategic partnerships with India in sectors like:

Digital Infrastructure: Leveraging India’s expertise in fintech and digital IDs.

Education and Health: Continuing the tradition of Somali students choosing India for professional training.

Maritime Security: Cooperating on safety and trade in the Indian Ocean. Elon Musk at WEF Predicts 'More Robots Than People' on Earth; Says Humanoid Robots Could Go on Sale by End of 2026 (Watch Video).

Defending Somalia's Narrative

Beyond the linguistic novelty, Jama used his platform to counter derogatory international remarks about his country, asserting that "Somalia is a very viable state with great potential." By speaking in a language familiar to over half a billion people in South Asia, he successfully bypassed traditional diplomatic barriers, inviting Indian investors and citizens to see a more positive, resilient image of the Horn of Africa.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 23, 2026 10:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).