Zuma’s Controversial Trip to India: Ambassador Anil Sooklal Exonerated
Pretoria – The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has exonerated Ambassador Anil Sooklal from any misconduct related to former president Jacob Zuma’s recent trip to India.
Zuma’s trip to India ignited controversy after he was photographed at a temple in Haridwar with the controversial businessman Ajay Gupta, whose brothers are currently wanted in South Africa.
Gupta siblings Atul and Rajesh are sought by South African authorities on charges of fraud and money laundering in connection with state capture.
The image of Zuma and Ajay Gupta quickly spread across social media, rekindling discussions about state capture and prompting criticism aimed at South Africa’s ambassador to India, Sooklal.
DIRCO initiated an investigation into the situation.
On Wednesday, 2 September 2026, DIRCO reported that it has wrapped up its internal discussions with South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Sooklal, regarding Zuma’s private visit to India that took place from 25 to 27 June 2026.
According to the department’s review, the Mission’s involvement was limited to ceremonial arrival and departure coordination, along with attendance at a public religious event for which the High Commissioner had received an independent invitation in an official capacity.
“The information available indicates that the Mission did not arrange, facilitate or take part in any private meetings between former President Zuma and Mr. Gupta,” DIRCO stated.
“The government’s stance is that providing routine assistance to former Heads of State does not authorize them to represent the Republic or promote official interests.”
“The government remains steadfast in its commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law, and accountability.”
While Mr. Gupta is not currently subject to an extradition request from South Africa, DIRCO emphasized its ongoing efforts to foster cooperation between South African law enforcement and Indian authorities regarding mutual legal assistance requests and other legal matters involving the Gupta family.
DIRCO has proposed a framework to ensure that engagements of this kind are evaluated for potential reputational, political, diplomatic, or security risks.
Detailing the events leading to the uproar, DIRCO stated: “On 19 June 2026, the Presidency notified DIRCO of former President Jacob Zuma’s upcoming private trip to India and requested assistance with the necessary protocol and logistical arrangements,” DIRCO explained.
“Following the established protocols for all former Presidents, DIRCO subsequently informed the South African High Commission in New Delhi and requested customary protocol support.”
“Reports from the South African High Commission in New Delhi indicate that the Mission did not facilitate any substantial engagement between former President Jacob Zuma and Mr. Ajay Gupta during this trip.”
DIRCO clarified that the support provided was part of the standard protocol, administrative, and logistical assistance typically offered to former Presidents through official means, which includes ceremonial arrangements, airport courtesies, and coordination with local authorities.
“Upon arrival, the former President was welcomed by the South African High Commissioner and a designated Mission official in line with established protocol, with similar support given at departure,” DIRCO added.
“Regarding the religious event attended in Haridwar, the High Commissioner was present in his capacity as Head of Mission, having received a separate invitation from the event organizers.”
“He did not accompany former President Zuma or Mr. Gupta, and while Mr. Gupta was among approximately 1,000 invited guests, the High Commissioner reported no direct interaction with him.”
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