In a significant move aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, India’s Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita, will embark on an official visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho, and the Republic of South Africa from July 18 to 25, 2025.
During his five-day trip, MoS (PM) is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on His Majesty King Mswati III and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, as well as a visit to the Right Honourable Mr. Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Lesotho. He will also engage in bilateral meetings with the Foreign Minister of Eswatini, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho, and other senior government officials.
The visit to Eswatini is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, capacity building, development partnership, and people-to-people exchanges. MoS (PM) will also participate in events highlighting India’s development partnership initiatives in Eswatini, aimed at enhancing the longstanding and friendly relations between the two countries.
In Lesotho, MoS (PM) will pay a courtesy call on His Majesty King Letsie III, followed by meetings with senior government officials, including the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology & Innovation, the Minister of Education & Training, and the Minister of Labour and Employment. This ministerial visit to Lesotho marks a significant milestone, following the first-ever ministerial visit from India to Lesotho in 2015.
In South Africa, MoS (PM) will lead a delegation to participate in the upcoming G-20 Development Ministerial Meetings (DMM) on July 24-25, 2025, in Skukuza. He is scheduled to have bilateral meetings with senior government officials, including the South African Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Hon’ble Ms. Maropene Lydia Ramokgopa, and other ministers responsible for development.
MoS (PM) will also engage in bilateral engagements and interactions with prominent leaders of businesses and members of the Indian community in Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa.
The visit is expected to further cement India’s position as a trusted partner for these countries, promoting cooperation and collaboration in areas that benefit both nations. With its rich history of diplomatic relations, India looks forward to strengthening ties with its strategic partners in the region.
Conclusion
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles will embark on an official visit to Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa from July 18 to 25, 2025. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and promote cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, capacity building, development partnership, and people-to-people exchanges.
Key Highlights
- India’s Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles will visit Eswatini (July 18-22), Lesotho (July 23-25), and South Africa (July 24-25, 2025)
- Bilateral meetings with senior government officials, including Foreign Ministers and Prime Ministers
- Participation in G-20 Development Ministerial Meetings
- Focusing on trade, investment, capacity building, development partnership, and people-to-people exchanges
About the Visit
The visit is expected to promote cooperation and collaboration between India and its strategic partners in the region. With its rich history of diplomatic relations, India looks forward to strengthening ties with Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa.
The visit marks a significant milestone in India’s engagement with these countries, highlighting the importance of bilateral relations in promoting peace, stability, and economic growth.