The South African Government has recalled its High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, for further consultations following reports of his association with former president Jacob Zuma and Indian-origin businessman Ajay Gupta.

The announcement was made by Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola during a press conference in Pretoria, where he confirmed that Sooklal had been summoned back to headquarters.

Lamola explained that the government was working on a new framework to regulate protocol and diplomatic support provided to former presidents and deputy presidents during international travel. He stated that recommendations had already been submitted to Parliament and the presidency for consideration.

The proposed framework includes a mandatory disclosure mechanism requiring former leaders to provide full details of their travel purposes, programs, activities, sources of funding, principal hosts, key engagements, and the capacity in which they will be travelling.

The minister emphasised that the mechanism was designed to assess reputational, political, diplomatic, and security risks. He stressed that the move was intended to prevent situations where former leaders might be perceived as representing South Africa’s foreign policy without authorisation from the sitting president. Lamola underlined that only the current head of state is mandated to represent the country’s foreign policy.

Anil Sooklal, who is of Indian origin, has previously served as South Africa’s G20 sherpa and BRICS sherpa before being appointed as High Commissioner to India. His recall follows questions raised over his engagements with Zuma and Ajay Gupta during Zuma’s visit to Haridwar in June.

During this visit, Zuma and Sooklal met Niranjani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri at the Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir. Swami Kailashanand Giri told the media that Ajay Gupta, a disciple and member of the ashram family, was a friend of Zuma.

The Gupta family has long been at the centre of South Africa’s state capture investigations. Allegations surfaced that they exploited their close relationship with Zuma to influence government decisions and secure lucrative state contracts. The Gupta brothers fled South Africa in 2018 after a judicial commission began probing widespread corruption and undue influence during Zuma’s presidency.

The recall of Sooklal highlights Pretoria’s sensitivity to reputational risks associated with former leaders and controversial figures. It also underscores the government’s determination to establish stricter controls over diplomatic engagements involving past presidents and deputy presidents.

The new framework, once adopted, is expected to bring greater transparency and accountability to such interactions, ensuring that South Africa’s foreign policy remains firmly under the authority of the sitting president.

ANI