Maseru: As part of his ongoing multi-nation official tour of the African continent, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on Monday held talks with Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoana, to explore ways to expand the multifaceted bilateral relationship.

Earlier in the day, Margherita met members of the dynamic Indian diaspora in the landlocked southern African nation and appreciated their contributions to enhancing people-to-people connections and cultural ties between India and Lesotho.

“Pleased to meet the vibrant Indian diaspora in Lesotho. Grateful for their warm welcome and their contributions in strengthening the people-to-people and cultural ties between India and Lesotho,” Margherita shared on X.

The Minister of State was warmly welcomed on July 20, 2025, by Thabang Lekhela, Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho, upon his arrival in Maseru, the capital of the African kingdom. He reached Lesotho after concluding a productive visit to Eswatini.

“Landed in Maseru city of the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Warmly welcomed by Thabang Lekhela, Principal Secretary Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho. Looking forward to engaging the leadership to further strengthen bilateral relations,” Margherita posted on X.

During his stay in Lesotho, the Minister is also expected to pay courtesy calls on King Letsie III and Prime Minister Samuel Matekane. In addition to his meeting with Mpotjoana, Margherita is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with other senior ministers overseeing portfolios such as information, communications, science, technology and innovation, education and training, and labour and employment.

“This ministerial visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho is being undertaken after a gap of 10 years following the first-ever ministerial visit from India to Lesotho by Minister of State (IC) for Culture, Tourism & MoS for Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, on 9 July 2015 as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister to deliver invitations for the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit to the leadership of the Government of Lesotho,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) ahead of Margherita’s visit.

The broader visit reflects India’s deepening diplomatic engagement with African nations, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation, identify new areas of partnership, and represent India at the upcoming G20 Development Ministerial Meetings (DMM) in South Africa.