India’s revived diplomacy in Lesotho and Eswatini sparks African engagement

In a significant move aimed at reinforcing India’s growing diplomatic and economic footprint in Africa, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita, is set to embark on an official visit to Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa from July 18 to July 25, 2025.

The visit underscores India’s deepening engagement with African nations, with a particular focus on strengthening bilateral ties through trade, investment, and development partnerships.

As part of the itinerary, Shri Margherita will spend time in the Kingdom of Eswatini from July 18-22 before moving to Lesotho and concluding the trip in South Africa for the G-20 Development Ministerial Meetings (DMM).

In Eswatini, the Minister is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on His Majesty King Mswati III and the Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini. He will also hold meetings with the Foreign Minister to discuss matters of mutual interest and review the progress of bilateral relations.

The visit will focus on strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade & investment, capacity building, development partnership, and people-to-people exchanges. Shri Margherita will also engage with the Indian diaspora and participate in events highlighting India’s development partnership initiatives in Eswatini.

“This visit is expected to further enhance the long-standing and friendly relations between India and the Kingdom of Eswatini,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

The Minister’s visit to Lesotho marks a significant return to the Southern African kingdom after a gap of 10 years. The last Indian Ministerial visit to Lesotho was in 2015, when Minister of State for Culture, Tourism & MoS for Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, visited as the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister to deliver invitations for the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit.

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During his stay in Lesotho, Shri Margherita will pay a courtesy call on His Majesty King Letsie III and Prime Minister Samuel Matekane. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

He is also expected to meet with the Ministers of Information, Communications, Science, Technology & Innovation, Education & Training, and Labour and Employment in Maseru.

From July 24-25, the Minister will lead an Indian delegation to the G-20 Development Ministerial Meetings (DMM) in Skukuza, South Africa. The DMM is a key platform for global discussions on sustainable development, poverty eradication, and inclusive growth.

In Pretoria, Shri Margherita is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with the South African Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Lydia Ramokgopa, as well as other Ministers and Heads of Delegations from G20 member countries, invited nations, and international organisations.

Throughout the trip, the Minister is expected to have bilateral engagements and interactions with prominent business leaders and members of the Indian community across all three countries.

This visit comes at a time when India is increasingly looking to Africa as a strategic partner in trade, technology, and development. With a focus on South-South cooperation and multilateral diplomacy, the trip is expected to open new avenues for collaboration and mutual growth.