South Africa Recalls India Envoy For Consultations After He Appears With Former Prez Zuma, Ajay Gupta

Published 7 August 2026 · india

News world South Africa Recalls India Envoy For Consultations After He Appears With Prez Zuma, Ajay Gupta South Africa Recalls India Envoy For Consultations After

News world South Africa Recalls India Envoy For Consultations After He Appears With Prez Zuma, Ajay Gupta South Africa Recalls India Envoy For Consultations After He Appears With Prez Zuma, Ajay Gupta Published By, Last Updated: August 07, 2026, 10:52 IST The development follows photographs from June showing Zuma, Sooklal and Gupta together during a religious ceremony at the Sidhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir in Haridwar. Image of South African former president Jacob Zuma, High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal, and fugitive businessman Ajay Gupta during a religious ceremony in Haridwar. (Source: X) South Africa has recalled its High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, for consultations after he was seen accompanying former president Jacob Zuma and controversial businessman Ajay Gupta during a private visit to India earlier this year. The decision was announced by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who confirmed that Sooklal had been called back to Pretoria while the government reviews diplomatic protocols governing official support extended to former presidents during overseas visits, according to multiple media reports. The development follows photographs from June showing Zuma, Sooklal and Gupta together during a religious ceremony at the Sidhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir in Haridwar.

Zuma had travelled to India in a private capacity. ‘Diplomat Called For Consultation’ Speaking to ANI, South African Diplomatic sources said, “South Africa’s High Commissioner to India has been asked to attend a meeting with the Director-General of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Zane Dangor for consultation and clarifications around the religious event attended by President Zuma, High Commissioner of South Africa to India, Anil Sooklal and where Indian-origin businessman Ajay Gupta was also seen." The sources further clarified that Sooklal has not been recalled as High Commissioner of South Africa to India. Speaking to The Indian Express, Sooklal described the recall as a “formality" and insisted there were “no issues of concern." He said he would return to New Delhi after two days. New Protocol For Presidents Travelling Abroad Addressing a media briefing, Lamola said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) had recommended a new framework for providing protocol and diplomatic assistance to former presidents and deputy presidents travelling abroad. “We have also submitted recommendations to Parliament and the presidency to consider a new framework for protocol and diplomatic support to former presidents and deputy presidents during international travels," Lamola said.