Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, will undertake an official visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho, and the Republic of South Africa from July 18 to 25. The visit aims to enhance bilateral relations and represent India at the upcoming G20 Development Ministerial Meetings.

During the first leg of his visit, Margherita will be in Eswatini from July 18 to 22. He is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on King Mswati III and the Prime Minister of Eswatini, and will hold discussions with the country’s Foreign Minister. The visit will focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, capacity building, development partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges. The Minister will also interact with the Indian diaspora and participate in events highlighting India’s development initiatives in Eswatini.

Following his Eswatini visit, the Minister will travel to the Kingdom of Lesotho, where he will meet King Letsie III and Prime Minister Samuel Matekane. He will also hold talks with the Foreign Minister and senior ministers responsible for various key sectors including education, labour, technology, and innovation. This marks the first ministerial visit to Lesotho from India in a decade, with the last visit in 2015.

In South Africa, Margherita will lead the Indian delegation at the G20 Development Ministerial Meetings (DMM) on July 24–25 in Skukuza. On the sidelines of the meeting, he is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Maropene Lydia Ramokgopa, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, along with other officials and representatives from G20 member states, invited nations, and international organisations.

The Minister is also scheduled to engage with Indian business leaders and community members in all three countries during his visit.