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MoS Pabitra Margherita Visits Lesotho to Boost Bilateral Ties; Highlights Strong Diaspora Role in Eswatini

Sharing his sentiments on X, Margherita posted, “Landed in Maseru city of the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Warmly welcomed… Looking forward to engaging the leadership to further strengthen bilateral relations.”

TIS Desk | Maseru |

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Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita arrived in the Kingdom of Lesotho on Sunday, aiming to enhance diplomatic and development cooperation between India and the Southern African nation.

Upon arrival in Maseru, Margherita was warmly received by Thabang Lekhela, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho. Sharing his sentiments on X, Margherita posted, “Landed in Maseru city of the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Warmly welcomed… Looking forward to engaging the leadership to further strengthen bilateral relations.”

Prior to his visit to Lesotho, the Minister concluded a productive trip to Eswatini. There, he engaged in high-level meetings with King Mswati III and several government ministers, focusing on expanding India–Eswatini collaboration in key sectors.

During his stay in Eswatini, Margherita interacted with the Indian diaspora, acknowledging their vital role in reinforcing India’s ties with the region. “Glad to meet the vibrant Indian diaspora in the Kingdom of Eswatini… Their valuable contributions continue to strengthen people-to-people connections,” he said on X.

According to the Indian High Commission, Eswatini hosts a 3,000-strong Indian community, predominantly of Gujarati Muslim origin.

In a significant outreach effort, Margherita presented Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship letters to 30 students from Eswatini, who are set to pursue higher education in India. “They are true ambassadors of goodwill and a living bridge of friendship,” he remarked.

He also visited the Royal Science and Technology Park in Eswatini, developed with a $20 million Line of Credit from the Government of India. Calling it a symbol of India–Eswatini development partnership, he emphasized India’s commitment to supporting technological progress in Africa.

Margherita’s visit to Lesotho is expected to include meetings with top officials and discussions on expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, trade, and capacity-building, in line with India’s growing engagement across the African continent.

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